Benjamin C Gabriel age 82, of Sargent, NE passed away April 26, 2018, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, NE.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 10:00 AM in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Sargent, NE with Father Lou Nollette Officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sargent, NE. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Sargent. A rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday evening at the church. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com
Ben was born April 22, 1936, to Albert and Helen (Bernt) Gabriel in Polk, NE. He grew up in Osceola, NE. Ben graduated from Osceola High School in May 1954. He attended Norfolk Jr College for 2 years while participating in football and track. He then transferred to South Dakota State College in Brookings, SD where he played football and earned a degree in Education, graduating in June of 1959. On June 25, 1959, Ben married Joyce (Haley) at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, SD. Throughout his career, he taught Math and Science while coaching a variety of sports including basketball, football, track and wrestling in Platte, SD, and Ohiowa, Clarks, Palmer, St Paul, Republican City, Sargent, Farnam and Sidney, NE. He then came back to Sargent, NE and worked as a school janitor and helped coach wrestling. Ben was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Nebraska School Education Association, Nebraska School Custodian Association, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church.
Ben enjoyed playing cards with everyone, fishing, hunting, gardening and following his children and grandchildren in all their activities. He not only cheered on his own family but all those on the team. His voice was easily recognized throughout the gym. His passion for education and sports was apparent by all the coaching and teaching activities he was involved in. He had a love and pride for his family that was easily seen by everyone.
Ben is survived by his wife Joyce of Sargent, NE, Children: Jerry (Rhonda) Gabriel of Springfield, MO, Tim (Janet) Gabriel of Holdrege, NE, Brad (Garnet) Gabriel of Douglas, NE, Theresa Gabriel and Dale Ebmeier of Litchfield, NE, Lori (Mike) Bush of Arcadia, NE, Kevin (Julie) Gabriel of Arcadia, NE, and Alan (Cindy) Gabriel of Ord, NE. Grandkids: Emily (James) Desauguste, Stacey (Matt) Kelso, Haley Gabriel & Pat Niebauer, Jill (Jesse) Hays, Jami Gabriel, Amber Love, Joyce Smith, Francis Smith, Jessica (Andrew) White, Kelly (Jeff) Arett, Nick (Danielle) Gabriel, Megan Gabriel, Ethan Gabriel and Ryan Gabriel. Great Grandchildren: Aiden, Ian, Cynthia, Kairi, Keimauri, Shakira, Maurice, Chantal, Chanel, Xzaviar, Zadden, and Gracie. Brother: LeRoy (Karen) Gabriel of Laramie, WY and Sister: JoAnn (Harold) Martens of Rising City, NE. He was also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Helen, a brother Donald Gabriel, a sister Eleanor (Gabriel) McClain, and an infant grandson Gerald Dean Patrick Gabriel, Jr.
