Students conducted interviews with family members, and some were able to gather additional resources and pictures to help tell their story. While there were many great stories written, not all will be published.
This project was a collaborative effort between students’ history classes with Mrs. Kruthoff & Mr. Armstrong, English class with Ms. Baldwin, and their families. It was inspired by the original project that long-time English teacher, Mrs. Wiersema, made a tradition in her 8th grade class.
Students enjoyed getting to know more about their families, and many were surprised to learn how interesting their families were. We hope you all will enjoy their stories, too!
David Leroy Gabriel, by Ava Moshier
Do you remember Dave’s Garage, the one we all know and love? Well Dave Gabriel is my grandpa. David Leroy Gabriel is my maternal grandpa. He is also the only grandpa biologically I have ever known. I picked him because he is strong, brave, passionate, and has a great story to tell.
Dave was born on April 15, 1950. He was born in Morrison, IL. His parents were Jessie Humphry (mom), George Gabriel (bio dad), Loren Francis (Step Dad). His siblings are Bernie Gabriel, Robert Gabriel (deceased), Ronald Gabriel (deceased), and Judith Gabriel (deceased). When Dave was growing up he had to do hog chores, Cattle, and run milk to the dairy factory where the water tower is now. When he wasn’t doing chores which was not often, he would find something to do on the farm.
David got married on March 3,1970 to Rosemary Gabriel (Zemek). They are still married today and have been married for 56 years. They have 4 kids – Loren Gabriel, Mike Gabriel, David Gabriel, and their only daughter Teresa Gabriel. Dave did not go to college. He went to the US Army. He was stationed in Kentucky, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Dave owned a gas station for a couple of years then ran Dave’s Garage for 50+ years. Today Dave lives in Erie, IL and likes spending time with his family, on the farm, and teaching his grandkids new things.
An accomplishment Dave has had out of many is running the garage for 50+ years. Dave was very passionate about his garage. He only retired because he felt he was ready to start a new chapter. Also being is the Army is something he will always hold close to his heart. He was in the Army not even 5 months out of school. Something’s I have learned from this project was that there was a milk factory in Erie. That is something that really surprised me. I also never knew that my grandpa had dairy cows as a kid. Things I have learned about my grandpa over the years was to not give up even when it is tough. I can only imagine all the ups and downs that came along with having the garage and he still never quit. My grandpa is my superhero. He has and still will teach me so much. Some of our favorite memories together are when he taught me how to drive the ranger on the farm. Even though I almost crashed into a tree and his truck, he still didn’t give up on me. Also me and my grandma would go get a Pink Pony then go eat at the garage with him.
I picked passionate as the best word to describe my grandpa because of all the work he has done and is still doing without quitting. I will always remember the memories we made at the garage. Also not to take your family time for granted because you never know when it will end. I feel great full to have a grandpa like him because he would do anything for his family. He is such a strong and caring person that will leave a lasting impact on people forever.
Ava Moshier, Miss Baldwin’s Language Arts class
