Gabe Eischens

Gabriel “Gabe” Michael Eischens, age 44 of Willmar, passed away peacefully Monday evening, Feb. 15, at his residence.

A time to celebrate Gabe's life for family and friends will be from 4-7 p.m. with a private family service at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, at the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  A public celebration of life service and interment will be held later this summer.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Gabe was born on August 6, 1976, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of William “Bill” and Judy Eischens.  He grew up in Willmar and was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church.  He graduated from Willmar High School in 1994 and then attended St. Cloud State University.  He worked as a cook at Timbers Restaurant, Westwood Café and the Willmar American Legion.  Gabe was recently employed for many years at Jennie-O Foods in Willmar as a forklift operator.   He was a member of the Willmar Eagle’s Club.  Gabe enjoyed watching sports, especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, fishing, golfing, reading, cooking, politics and rock music.  Gabe loved his family and was a great uncle.   He will be best remembered for his contagious laugh, sense of humor, a good listener and being easy to talk to.  Gabe was always willing to help others in need.

He is survived by his parents, Bill Eischens of Willmar and Judy (and Don) Blackwell of Cross Lake; three siblings, Mitch (and Kristi) Eischens of Willmar, Marci (and Joe) Sussenguth of St. Joseph and Melissa (and Nick) Hadfield of Annandale; nieces and nephews, Cole and Connor Eischens, Nolan and Ella Sussenguth and Brady and Madalynn Hadfield, besides many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and an aunt, Pam Eischens Kollei.