Gabriel Ernest Mattila, age 35, of Fridley, Minn., passed away and completed his journey on Sept. 21, 2008, following a courageous 10-month battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Gabriel was a special agent for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in the St. Paul, Minn., field office, in 2006. He continued to work in the field as a special agent until his diagnosis of ALLS in December 2007.
Before becoming an ICE agent, Gabriel lived and worked in International Falls as Customs and Border Protection officer for four years. He loved and devoted his time to this community and protecting northern Minnesota and his country.
Even though Gabriel had no children of his own, or any family in this community, he generously gave a large donation to one particular little girl, whom he adored, for the Falls Elementary School playground expansion.
He loved spending time on Rainy Lake with this friends and eating at all of the local restaurants.
He loved to snow blow when winter storms arrived. Gabe also loved to sit with friends and his family to watch UFC fights.
Gabriel fought very hard to beat his illness. He never complained or gave up his fight nor was he ever afraid. He was a true warrior.
Gabe was the most honorable friend. He was always there for everyone. He will be remembered most for his loving devotion and friendship to all that he touched.
Gabriel is survived by his parents, David and Hiwet Mattila; his brothers, Ranny, Joshua and Christian; his sisters-in-law, Sharron, Sarai and Dana Mattila; and nieces and nephews, Vevina, Michael, Christian, Aliyah, Jacob and Noah.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, Sept. 24, at North Heights Lutheran Church, Arden Hills, Minn.
Memorials are preferred to Gabriel’s favorite charity, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Special thank you to all state, local and government agencies: ICE, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Protection Service, Minnesota State Troopers, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department — you did it right for Gabe.