Daniel "Dan" J. Gurbal

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.”  -  Louis L'Amour

Daniel "Dan” J. Gurbal, age 72, of Geneva, passed away peacefully Monday, June 13, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 19, 1950, in Aurora, the son of John and Marie (Franzen) Gurbal.

He graduated from East Aurora High School in 1968. He promptly enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Army with a tour in the Vietnam War. Dan worked many jobs for Chicago Title, Pioneer, Century, and Gurbal’s Pro Search. He was involved in many organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Geneva Jaycees, Market Day, and volunteered regularly for the St. Peter Church barn sales.

Dan was a master punster and was known for his quick wit, his great hugs, his jolly and friendly demeanor, and especially his great laugh. He so obviously loved and was proud of his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews, and they all knew that his lap was the best seat in the house for reading together or a good cuddle. He was a collector and builder of all sorts of things and his backyard was the place to be - whether you were a kid ready for a swim or a bird looking for a snack. Dan was also generous with his time, and he had a depth of character and experience that made him a great friend to many, always ready with a listening ear or a wise or encouraging word. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Margaret “Peggy” (Arbizzani); children Angie Daurer of Shabbona, Lisa (Dave) Hackbarth of Austin, Texas, Jeff (Sheridan) Gurbal of North Aurora, Molly Gurbal of Oswego, and Anthony “Tony” Gurbal of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren Jack Daurer, Kylee and Olivia Gurbal, and Jonah Hackbarth; siblings Mary Ann Armbruster and Patricia Scott; sisters-in-law Margaret Gurbal and Becky Gurbal; and many other dear relatives and friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Dave, sister Margaret “Peggy”, and granddaughter Faith Hackbarth.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 17, 2022 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street, Geneva, with the rosary recited at 7:45 pm.

Funeral prayers will be held Saturday, June 18 at 9:30 am at Malone Funeral Home proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva for Celebration of Funeral Mass at 10:30 am with Father Johnathan Bakkelund, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Marmion Abbey, 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora, IL 60502 https://www.marmion.org/, St. Peter Catholic Church Food Pantry, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva, IL 60134, or the Salvation Army https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006.

The family would like to thank the VA and its amazing team of doctors, nurses, and caregiving staff who helped treat and care for Dan and gave us so many years with us as he navigated many medical challenges.

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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