Wayne Marvin Gabriel, 64

Wayne Marvin Gabriel, 64, of Wilmot, S.D., died Saturday, March 29, 2014, at his sister's home in Aberdeen, S.D., after a brief battle with cancer.

Wayne’s wishes were to be cremated and services will be held at a later date.

Wayne Marvin Gabriel, son of Marvin and Edith (Heitmann) Gabriel, was born on Nov. 29, 1949, in Britton, S.D. He was raised and attended school in Bradley, S.D., graduating from Bradley High School. As a young man he worked various jobs including mowing lawns, picking rocks and hauling bales.

Wayne enlisted in the United States Army in April of 1971. Following his honorable discharge in June of 1973, Wayne began his employment with the Watertown Police Department in Watertown, S.D.

Wayne was united in marriage to Veronica “Vicki” (Bauman) Sasse in Las Vegas. To this union Vicki added two children, Jon and Richard Sasse. They made their home in Watertown and Wayne later began driving truck. They moved to Kalispell where Wayne worked selling industrial equipment until his health forced him to retire. During their retirement, Wayne and Vicki began making their home in Wilmot. Wayne’s beloved wife died on Dec. 22, 2010.

Wayne was a member of the Wilmot American Legion and the Zion Community Church. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved to ride his motorcycle and enjoyed snowmobiling. Wayne enjoyed playing cards and board games and cherished the time he was able to spend with his family. He was especially grateful for the many good times he was able to have with his good friend Mike Bjerke.

Grateful for having shared Wayne’s life are his stepson Jon, and Lisa Sasse, of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Staci, Megan, Emma, Jordan and Breanna; two sisters, Darla Knox of Britton, S.D., and Verlaine and Glen Damgaard of Aberdeen; sister-in-law, Lois Gabriel; and several nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, wife, stepson Richard Sasse, brother Darrel Gabriel, brother-in-law Ron Knox, and grandson Andrew Sasse.

Cards and memorials may be sent to Wayne’s family at 6809 Adobe Court, Las Vegas, NV 89146.

Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home of Aberdeen is in charge of arrangements; www.spitzerfuneralhome.com.