Dorothea Emilie Gabert

Dorothea Emilie Gabert

Dorothea Emilie Gabert, 93, of Emmett, Idaho, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, at Apple Valley Assisted Living. She was born March 19, 1924, the daughter of Bernard and August Minchau.

Dorothea married Carl H. Gabert, July 2, 1942 in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada. They made their home on a nearby farm until 1945 before moving to Creston, British Columbia, Canada where Dorothea helped run an orchard. Thinking there was more opportunity in the United States, Carl, Dorothea and their two sons moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1949. They had a daughter in Bonners Ferry and raised their family in that community for 43 years until they moved to Emmett, Idaho in 1992 for their retirement years.

Dorothea is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl H. Gabert who passed in 2000, her older sister Esther, younger brother, Otto, and two sisters, Erna and Adina, twins who passed in infancy before Dorothea was born. She is survived by two younger sisters, Ida Merrigan of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Theresa Anderson of Creston, British Columbia, Canada. Also surviving are her three children, Marvin Gabert and spouse Janice of Donnelly, Idaho; Raymond Gabert and spouse Sherry, of Moses Lake, Wash.; and Lori Smith and spouse Gregory of Susanville, Calif. Grandchildren, Mindi Hirz, Miriam Hinton, Rachel Lebow, Elizabeth Platt, Josh Christensen, Marcie Orem, Adam Smith and Patience Smith; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Dorothea had a ninth-grade education. She was a stay-at-home mom and help mate to her husband Carl for many years. Family always came first. After moving to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, she worked in the Boundary County Community Hospital from 1960 until her retirement in 1989. She loved watching a good horse race, baseball and uplifting movies. She was a gifted gardener, excellent cook and enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint. Dorothea created many beautiful projects for her children and grandchildren.

Dorothea’s great love and commitment to her family will always endure in their memories of her. She was generous beyond comprehension with her prayers, love, time and hard work for her family; helping care for grandchildren, with new building projects, moving, lending a helping hand wherever she could.

Dorothea was a woman of deep Christian faith, influence, strength and inspiration, of commitment, vitality, and gratitude. She had a calmness and wit about her that attracted people to her. She brightened and blessed everyone’s lives that she touched. Dorothea left a legacy of faithfulness and love for her Lord and Savior. Her faith never wavered and brought her comfort to the end of this life.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 12 with burial in the Emmett Cemetery followed by Services at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Emmett. Arrangements were with the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett.