Gilbert R. "Gillie" Aabrekke

Gilbert “Gillie” Aabrekke, 71 of Devils Lake died early Tuesday morning, February 19, 2008 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial for Gilbert will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 1:00 p. m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:30p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Gillie will be Jim Borgen, Greg Miller, Dale “Blondie” Bloomquist, Andrew Everson, Randy Carlson, Ryan Carlson and Adam Joramo. Honorary Bearers will be Kyle Everson, John Everson, Mark Everson, Austin Everson and Jacob Joramo Music will be provided by JoDee Lagein Reading the Scriptures will be Marlys Joramo Gift Bearers will be Gilbert Raymond Aabrekke, son of John and Mollie (Skytland) Aabrekke was born on July 25, 1936 at Brinsmade, ND. At a young age, he moved with his parents to the Minnewaukan area where he was reared and educated. As the only boy, he worked along side his Dad on the farm for several years. He began employment with Benson County Roads Department and in 1963, he began full-time with the North Dakota Highway Department. He worked for them for 38 years, retiring on July 31, 2001. For many years, Gillie was assigned to the Sign Truck. Gillie was united in marriage to Gertie Bachmeier on May 11, 1964 at Orrin, ND. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their family through the years. Gillie was never content to have just a day job. Many of his evenings were spent working at the KC’s, the Duke’s and the Great Northern Hotel. He was the “grill man” at many of the KC and Vets Club picnics. Gillie was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eagles Aerie and St. Joseph Catholic Church. When Gillie managed to have any spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, Bingo and playing cards. In the summer months, he was the envy of the neighborhood with his huge garden and sharing the bounty of that garden. He wasn’t too much for flowers in his garden, because you “couldn’t eat them.” After retiring, he enjoyed spending time in the afternoons visiting with old and new friends and keeping up the days happenings. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was always willing to “babysit” the pets that came along with the grandchildren. Gilbert worked hard to provide for his family and was already looking forward to another garden in the spring. He will be greatly missed. Gillie is survived by his wife Gertie Son: Dan Aabrekke and his wife, Anita of Devils Lake Daughter: Susan Krantz and her husband, Jim of Sheyenne, ND Granddaughters: Amanda Krantz and Alexis Krantz Nephews: John and Melinda Everson and their boys, Andrew and Kyle Mark Everson and his family, Jessica and Austin Niece: Marlys Joramo and her sons, Adam and Jacob Joramo and Randy and Ryan Carlson He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marion Everson, Ardell Ferestad and Ruby Boehmer.