Obituary of Gabriel Villarreal

Villarreal, Gabriel

Bay City, Michigan

Gabriel Villarreal went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2024 at the age of 85.  He passed away with his family by his side at his home.  He was born on September 27, 1939 in Sommerville, Texas.  He moved to Saginaw, Michigan at the age of 12 years old.  Gabriel was the son of Isabel and Antonia Villarreal.  He married his high school sweetheart, Malinda Nerio on October 7, 1963.  They were happily married for 63 years.  He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1960.  Gabriel and his wife moved to Bay City, Michigan because they had a passion and a calling from God.  They were called by the Lord to start Free Spirit Ministries in Kawkawlin, Michigan where they served as pastors.  They continued the evangelize locally and in other countries, for example Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada for thirty years, and continuing to this day.  They saw many miracles and healings that took place with God in their life.

Gabriel retired from General Motors in 1993 as an electrician.  He loved to travel and visited many states throughout the country.  He was blessed by visiting Israel. Gabriel spent many hours tending his flowers and vegetable garden.  He enjoyed playing the guitar, singing and entertaining the children.  After retirement, he and his wife spent the summers enjoying fun in the sun at their lakeside cabin in Harrison, Michigan, boating, fishing and tending his flower garden.  Gabriel loved being with his children and grandchildren, taking them places on the spur of the moment and watching them grow as they were introduced to other cities and states.  He enjoyed numerous mini vacations with his family at Outdoor Adventure as well.

Gabriel was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  His memory will be cherished and honored by his three children: Gabriel (Lori) Villarreal of Freeland, Cynthia (Steve) Kushion of Bay City, Kurtis Villarreal of Bay City; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; Sisters-in-law, Gloria Cardona of Bay City and Cora Mendoza of Saginaw; Brothers-in-law, Robert Paramo of Sylvan Lake and Arnold (Pauline) of Lansing; plus many nieces and nephews.   

He has four sisters, Susan McCraw of Saginaw, Mary Negrete of Houston, Texas, Ernestine Benevides of Brian, Texas, Sarah Durand of Berlin Georgia, and one brother, Isabel Villarreal of Weslaco, Texas.

Gabriel was predeceased by his daughter, Jeaneen Villarreal Warmbier; his brothers, Joe Villarreal, John Villarreal, and Robert Villarreal; one sister, Amparo Villarreal and his parents, Isabel and Antonia Villarreal.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thankyou to Covenant VNA Hospice for the care given to Gabriel and his family.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Marc Alba will officiate. A Committal service will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery in Saginaw.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Covenant VNA Hospice.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Villarreal family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.