Richard “Gabes” Gabler
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On August 13, 2021 @ 12:56 pm In 2021,Obituaries | 12 Comments
Richard “Gabes” Gabler, age 56, of Prior Lake, MN passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at his home surrounded by family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service is Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior. All services will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake with Rev. Diana Hunstad presiding. Interment at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake.
Richard Byron Gabler Jr. was born on February 1, 1965, in St. Paul, MN to Richard and Darlene (Scott) Gabler. Rick grew up primarily in California before moving back to Minnesota at age 16. From a young age, he was always an athlete, playing soccer, football, and baseball over the years. Following his graduation from Prior Lake High School, Rick attended Mankato State for a year before finishing his college degree at St. Cloud State University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in business, marketing, and communications. After college, Rick worked in sales and business development throughout his life for various companies. A salesman through and through, he could sell anything.
Childhood friends since the third grade, Rick always had a special relationship with Tanja Jotten. Following her father’s passing in 1990, he was sure to call and check in on her mother every Friday. One day, he decided to call Tanja instead, leading with, “This is the man of your dreams.” Tanja decided not to hang up on him, and their relationship blossomed. On September 11, 1999, they were united in marriage at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Blessed with two children, Tanja and Rick raised their family together in Prior Lake. Together they enjoyed many game nights, boating on the lake, and loved celebrating during the holidays. Rick loved football Sundays and watching sports in his man cave. From dancing on his desk in his brown corduroys and green and white buttoned up shirt in the third grade to driving around town in his beloved Corvette, Rick always left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a contagious laugh and smile and brought joy to many.
Charismatic and outgoing, but also sensitive and compassionate, Rick will be missed dearly by his loving wife, Tanja; daughters, Larissa and Kristen; mother, Darlene Scott; siblings, Nancy (Orlando Mazzolini) Gabler, Grant Gabler, Billy (Corinne) Gabler, and Laura (Dan) Welch; and many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Gabler Sr.; and infant sister, Linda Gabler.
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Love this! Can totally see you guys shooting the sh*>, talking smack and reminiscing about great memories while playing cards!!!
We, the PLHS Class of 1983, offer our heartfelt prayers and sympathies to the entire Gabler family following the passing of our friend and classmate voted “Most Talkative.” The title certainly served him well throughout his life. May you all find comfort, peace and strength in the days to come and know that he is sharing that big smile with you always.
Oh your smile, positivity, unconditional love and kindness to family, friends AND random strangers was absolutely infectious!! I have such fond memories of “Gabler Rick, childhood pseudo big brother”, friend and ‘Willow’ s association’ shenanigans member!! You will be missed tremendously!! All my love to the Gabler family and to everyone Rick’s amazing personality touched!!
Tanja, Larissa & Kirsten – You are in my heart and prayers. I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. I hope the memories of your family time bring you comfort and peace right now.
Rebecca
We are so sorry for your loss. We got to know Rick when he played baseball with the St. Patrick Irish team. A true gentleman and great athlete. Our sympathy to all of his loved ones.
Gabes, My college roommate and friend, you will be missed, but never forgotten…
Your friend FOREVER..,❤️
My sincere deepest condolences
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Rick. We worked together . He was a heck of a salesman and we had lots of laughs during a golf outing for work.
Great guy and his laughter and humor will be missed by all!!
Sandra Bacsa
Tanja and family I am so sorry for your loss. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Gabe sounds like a wonderful husband, father, and friend.
I’ve donated to the Target team fund via Marjie.
Elizabeth
What a guy, a dedicated husband and father and friend. Rickey and I were pals in Pleasanton CA doing most of our hanging out over baseball from age 9-12. Fun memories he was always full of energy and spunk, and a great fierce competitor. Starting high school was a blur, and then he was gone, back to MN. Later as adults we reconnected and were in touch during some of his CA visits. I’m so thankful over the years we were able to meet for a drink every so often, and even play golf. He was a fun “guys guy” for sure. He loved his wife and family with such great pride, it’s where our conversations would go each time we talked. And, there was always that open invitation to the Lake that I unfortunately never could seem to work into my schedule. Even though we lost touch over recent years, the memories of his positive joyful attitude still gave me a big lasting grin and smile. Rickey Gabler, rest in peace my friend, you will be missed. God bless your soul and your loved ones, love you m’man!
John Boruk
So sorry to hear of the passing of one of my elementary school friends. My thoughts are with you, Tanja.
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Gabes, we are going to miss that smile, flawless hair, and those pearly whites. But what I will really miss is our toasts, euchre games ( I still may cash those checks), phone calls, and all the many many memories and tales. I sit back and think and just keep coming up with more. You were a memorable one and we will keep your stories thus your spirit alive.