Gabriel Kofstad

Gabriel LeRoy “Gabe” Kofstad, 44, of Ellendale, went to be with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ August 25, 2025 at the Mayo Clinic- Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minn., following a five-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, dad, & grandpa.

 

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Vibrant Life Church, 702 3rd St N., Ellendale, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at Hartland Cemetery.

 

Born on December 30, 1980 in Waseca, Gabe was the cherished son of Lynne (Wallin) Kofstad and the late David Kofstad. Gabe was the fourth born of the five children and the youngest boy. He proudly called himself a “momma’s boy.”

 

Gabe graduated from NRHEG High School in 1999, where he excelled in both football and track. After graduation, he coached track and played in a summer volleyball league for several years. After school, Gabe built a career in construction, landscaping, and as a Parts Associate at L&D Ag. He was known for his exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous handiwork. He loved driving around southern Minnesota and pointing out, “I helped build that.”

 

Gabe and Laurel met in June 2008 and finally married in May 2015. They built a life in New Richland, raising their five children together. They attended Vibrant Life church together and enjoyed spending their summers outdoors. In particular, sitting on the tailgate of the truck watching it rain, taking family biking trips, and going camping. 

 

A man of great faith and a devoted member of Vibrant Life Church, Gabe radiated care for others, possessing a true servant's heart. In June 2023, Gabe and Laurel took a bold step, selling their home and possessions to embrace a life of travel as “RV Volunteers.” Together, they traveled around the United States, restoring and rebuilding churches and camps in need. He loved to tell his story and his testimony to anybody who would listen.

 

Gabe loved to stay busy. In his downtime, he enjoyed fishing, hiking, biking, watching football, and playing retro Nintendo. Some of his fondest memories were riding in the semi with his Dad, fishing with Uncle Davey, lunches with Uncle Randy, and hiking in Glacier National Park. 

 

Gabe will be remembered for his unwavering faith, resolute decisions, and traditional ways. Above all, Gabe was a devoted husband, dad, and grandpa. He made it a point to stay connected with family even while on the road.

 

In addition to his wife of 10 years, Laurel Kofstad, those left to cherish Gabe’s memory include his five children, Austin, Sydney, Olivia, Madelynn, and Deacon Kofstad; a grandson, Archer Brown; his mother, Lynne Kofstad; brothers, Jason and Isaac (Martha) Kofstad; sisters, Annie (Adam) Morstad and Emily (Scott) Poeschl; maternal grandfather, Duane Wallin; parents-in-law, Karla (Alan) Colby and Ken (Sandy) Neeld; a sister-in-law, Amanda Karaba; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends.

 

Gabe was preceded in death by his father, David Kofstad; his paternal grandparents, LeRoy and Bonnie Kofstad; his maternal grandmother, Arlys Eastvold; and Laurel’s grandpa, Ken Neeld.

 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family as they navigate this difficult time and honor Gabe’s memory.

 

Expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.BonnerupFuneralService.com