Shirley Mae Gaber, 87, of Euclid, MN, passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday evening, August 27th, 2024, while surrounded by her family.
Shirley was born at home near Red Lake Falls, MN on April 11, 1937, the daughter of Hubert and Agnes (Rode) Hinrichs. She grew up near Red Lake Falls in the areas of Wylie and Dorothy and was raised by her mother and step-father, Victor Gaber. Shirley began her education in local schools and graduated from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls, the Class of 1955. A few weeks later she was united in marriage to the love of her life, David John “Jack” Gaber on June 25, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Euclid. Shirley and Jack made their home in Euclid and while Jack was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad she enjoyed her roles as wife, mother to a growing family of 8, and homemaker. As the kids got older, and bit more independent, she began working for Frito Lay in Grand Forks. She then trained as a Certified Nurse Assistant and joined the staff on the 3rd floor of Riverview Hospital. After several years she became employed with Lutheran Social Services at their Group Home in Crookston and then finished out her career as a CNA at Villa St. Vincent where she was dearly loved by residents and co-workers alike. Sadly, Jack, passed away on February 22, 1998. A year later Shirley retired from her long and rewarding career as a caregiver. Throughout her life Shirley managed to put away a little extra for Christmas gifts by sewing and selling doll clothes for Barbie, American Girl, Baby, and Cabbage Patch dolls.
Shirley loved making quilts, and doing embroidery. During the summer months she could be found in her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She looked forward to the annual fishing trip with her daughter and family. Nothing brought Shirley more joy than having her home filled with the kids and their families, especially for the holidays. She was an excellent cook and quite famous to family and friends alike for her wonderful apple and pumpkin pies, and basically everything that came from her kitchen. Shirley was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also held a 50-year membership in the Euclid American Legion Auxiliary.
Shirley will be very sadly missed and forever loved by her 7 children: Deb (Jeff) Ramsley of Minnesota Lake, MN, Lynn Gaber of Rochester, MN, Jerry (Margee) Gaber of Las Cruces, NM, Ruby Gaber of Warren, MN, Shelly (Rob) Kappelhoff of Red Lake Falls, MN, Brent Gaber of East Grand Forks, MN, and Paula (John) Borg of Viking, MN; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings: Gloria Cote of Thief River Falls, MN; Joe Gaber of Crookston, MN; Lorna (Carl) Tofsley of Crookston, MN; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
In addition to Jack, her beloved husband of 42 years, Shirley is preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Marie who died on April 21, 2011; a great-grandson, Baby Boy Oeffler; her father, Hubert Hinrichs, and mother and step-father, Agnes and Victor Gaber; an infant brother, Lester; and her parents-in-law, Joseph and Anna Gaber.
A Memorial Mass honoring Shirley’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Euclid, MN, with The Rev. Xavier Ilongo, presiding. Visitation with the family will be from 10-11:00 am. Graveside prayers will be in St. Dorothy’s Cemetery, rural Red Lake Falls, and both services will be livestreamed by going to Shirley’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be conveyed to the family on the funeral home website as well.
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