Wallace David Gabbert

Wallace David Gabbert of Wayzata, Minnesota and Bonita Springs, Florida passed away peacefully in his home at the remarkable age of 104 on May 31, 2023.  Wally will always be remembered for his welcoming smile and friendly personality. 

Wally was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 29, 1918 to parents Selma & Henry Gabbert.  As a child, Wally was a great athlete and excelled at baseball, and also enjoyed football, track, and hockey. He loved his time as a Boy Scout and was just one merit badge shy of becoming an Eagle Scout due to lack of swimming experience.  In an era prior to automobiles, radio, and telephones, his family was very close; doing chores together and enjoying each other's companionship.  After he graduated in 1937 from North High School in Minneapolis, Wally sold Fuller brushes door to door, initiating his love of the free enterprise system. In the fall of 1938, Wally and his older brother, Don, embarked on their twelve month adventure;  living in their 1930 Model A Ford, selling Fuller brushes, and traveling the United States from coast to coast.

Wally married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Johnson on August 3, 1940.  Shortly after the birth of their first child, Yvonne, Wally was called to serve in WWII.  He spent  two years in the Army from 1944-1946 at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a drill sergeant, and eventually was sent to the Philippines.  Shortly after his return, their son David was born in 1947.

In May of 1946 he partnered with his brother Don during the first ten founding years of Gabberts furniture store. In the beginning, Gabberts retreaded tires after the war and shifted to selling the first appliances, televisions and eventually furniture at the fourth location on Eighth & Nicollet across from Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis.  In 1958, Wally opened American Home Furnishings, which quickly established itself as the leading Early American specialty furniture store in Minneapolis in the sixties.  Wally then opened a second store in Wayzata in 1968.   

Wally retired to his home on Lake Minnetonka in 1978 and also to Bonita Springs, Florida with Lorraine, where he enjoyed tennis, golf, fishing, and many gratifying friendships.  Wally continued to split time between his Minnesota and Florida homes until he was 101 years of age.

In his later years, his positive attitude was inspiring; he was always a joy to be around.  Wally was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a wonderful man that lived a remarkable life and he will be deeply missed.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife; sister, Marion Gabbert; brothers, Don and Roger Gabbert; grandson, Scott Laddusaw; daughter-in-law, Gail Gabbert.

Wally is survived by his devoted children, daughter, Yvonne Laddusaw and son, David Gabbert; grandchildren, Steven Laddusaw, Jennifer Willett (Brad), Jill Gabbert (Joshua Bone), and Stacy Sorsveen (Adam); seven great grandchildren; dear friend Beverly Ness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Wally to the Central Minnesota Council, Boy Scouts of America or Park Nicollet Foundation, Hospice Donation.

A private family service will be held at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church.

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