Gabriel Gene Takala

A well-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and all-around good guy, Gabriel G. Takala, 80, passed away at 11:25 PM on Friday, June 4, 2021.  Gabe died a proud man after 38 years of sobriety.  He attended Alcoholics Anonymous for many years.

Gabriel Gene Takala was born on August 11, 1940 to Frank and Fanny Takala in Great Falls, Montana.  He grew up in the Sun River Valley and graduated from Simms High School in 1958.  After high school Gabe worked many jobs starting at Consolidated Freightways and going to several management positions.  He eventually found his niche in sales.  He owned his own car lots in Vaughn and winding up in Columbia Falls in the Flathead Valley in 1984.  He also owned and trained thoroughbred horses and enjoyed betting on the ponies.

Gabe enjoyed telling a good story with a wonderful sense of humor.  He liked fishing, camping and driving in the mountains.

He is survived by the love of his life, Penny at the family home in Valier; his children, Frank (Theresa) of Fairfield, Christina (John) Moore in Great Falls, Jason Francis (Marie) of Clancy, Jodie (Clint) Reynolds of Columbia Falls; ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Laverne Mangold of Billings; brother, Larry in Great Falls, plus many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Russel and Bob and sister, Delores.

There will be no funeral service, per his wishes.  However, a celebration of his life is in the works for sometime later. 

The loved ones he left behind will miss him and our world is truly diminished by his passing.  Godspeed Gabe. 

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