Gabriel John Dinkel

Gabriel John Dinkel

11/9/93 – 3/13/18

Heaven has gained another angel Gabriel.

Gabriel John Dinkel, age 24, died at home in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, on March 13, 2018.

Born Nov. 9, 1993, in Baldwin, Wisconsin, Gabe Dinkel had a beautiful spirit and from early childhood was an enormously kind, thoughtful and giving person. He was considerate, respectful and patient. Witty with a wonderful sense of humor, Gabe loved to make others laugh, especially his mom Linda. He never had a bad word to say about anybody.

Born with a heart as big as Lake Superior, Gabe would never pass by someone in need, whether a stranger or a friend, and when called on to help anyone, he would give the job his all.

Gabe got his first job at age 10 on his own volition at Botten’s Green Acres golf course and drove himself to work in his family’s red golf cart. (He drove his own kiddie snowmobile at age 4, so he knew the rules of the road.) He worked at Botten’s into his 20s in the summers, not only developing his work ethic but his growing passion for golf, and he spent many, many hours there after work, playing until dark.

Gabe competed in the Wisconsin State Golf Tournament three years and played on the college team at Waldorf College, in Iowa, which he attended as a freshman on a golf scholarship. He also attended the University of Wisconsin-Barron County.

Born with natural athletic abilities, Gabe was also persistent and would practice and practice until he could master a skill. Gabe loved to play football, basketball and hockey and was honored to be named Most Valuable Athlete his senior year at Northwestern High School. Gabe was above all a team player and considered himself just a cog in the wheel.

Gabe loved, and was loved by, his extended family and community. He grew up in a family that encouraged him to be a giving part of his community and that supported experiences where his outgoing and independent nature could blossom. He treated each person as an individual, loving them for who they were and their unique personalities and gifts.

Gabe connected with kids naturally and empathetically and was an encouraging, intelligent teacher when he was refereeing, coaching, and umpiring youth sports – be it football, basketball, baseball or softball.

He grew up with dogs and loving dogs: Sadie, for 13 years, and most recently Remi.

Growing up in northern Wisconsin, Gabe appreciated all that comes with living on a lake in the Northwoods – the outdoors, hunting with his dad and uncles, boating, water skiing, swimming, wake-boarding. Darts and playing pool were recent favorite pastimes.

He was loved by so many throughout his too-short life, and the love he was able to share with others also seemed to be unlimited. If you were a friend of Gabe Dinkel, you had in Gabe an understanding and caring confidante.

Gabe is survived by his parents, John and Linda (Roen) Dinkel of Lake Nebagamon; birth-mother Julie Mahoney, and step-brothers Axel and Maddox Mahoney, of Woodville, Wisconsin; and many relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11416 E. 1 ^st Street N., Lake Nebagamon, WI, and will continue until the 2:00 PM Celebration of Gabe’s Life with Pastor Scott Stai officiating.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a  condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com .