Gabriel “Gabe” Perez Fresquez was born August 22, 1943 to Elizario & Gertrudis Fresquez in Mesilla, NM. He passed from his earthly home on May 31, 2023. Gabriel was a graduate of Las Cruces High School in 1962, at which time he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country and received a service-connected injury while stationed in ChuLai, Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart.
Upon his return to civilian life, Gabe continued serving others, beginning his long, distinguished career in law enforcement. In 1984, the Madison County American Legion named him Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. In 1987, Gabe served as an interpreter for the PanAm games held in Indianapolis. He also formed the Honor Guard for the Madison County Police Department, which he commanded until his retirement; it is still part of the Police Department today. In 2004, Gabe retired from the Madison County Police Department.
Following his retirement, Gabe married his “beautiful bride,” Rebecca, on October 30, 2004.
Although retired, Gabe could not sit idle. After a 40-year career in law enforcement, he assisted the Hispanic community by serving as a medicolegal interpreter. In 2019, he was recruited to work for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission as an Investigator, where he remained until his death.
Gabe is survived by his wife, Rebecca; daughters, Belinda (Rodney) McNeill, Amanda (Ryan) Meyer, and Courtney (Nick Shumaker) Denny; grandchildren, Alexandra McNeill and Quentin McNeill, and Alexander Meyer; sisters, Delfina (Sal) Perez and Armida (Juan) Padilla of Mesilla NM; brothers, Rudolf (Viola) Fresquez and Richard (Pat) Fresquez also of Mesilla NM; siblings-in-law, Rudy Duran, Ray Giordano, Esther Fresquez, and Ron (Jan) Adams; many nieces and nephews; his faithful dog companions, Elsie and Dobby; and adored cats, Hazel, Tisne, Georgie and Pancho Villa; all of whom loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Luis “Looper” Fresquez and Elizario “Firpo” Fresquez; and sisters, Ramona Duran and Belinda Giordano.
Gabe was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, Fortville and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Marine Corps League Mounds Detachment, a Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of The American Legion Post #117, Pendleton, IN.
Services will be held at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service in Anderson. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. A non-denominational funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Chaplain Vaughn Walker will be officiating, and military rites will be conducted.
Additionally, a funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anderson on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 11:00 am.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Madison County Humane Society, Anderson, Indiana.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.