Gabriel Joseph Zablatnik

Gabriel Joseph Zablatnik was born March 19, 1927, in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, and died at the age of 93 on December 6, 2020. Gabe devoted his life to work, family, and the Catholic church in Oklahoma.By the time Gabe was 23, he had survived a year in a Nazi prison camp in Yugoslavia, 2 years in a displaced person camp, and the death of both of his parents. Gabe was the first World War 2 European immigrant, to attend Oklahoma State University in 1949. Gabe loved "Oklahoma people "; they were so positive and encouraged me to succeed. He finished his bachelor's degree in accounting from OSU in 1951 and married the love of his life, Linda Anne Huffman. Gabe loved America and dreamed of being a businessman in a Free Enterprise system. His motto throughout his life was "To never give up" he had endless hope and encouraged people to do their best.In 1951 Gabriel became a US citizen and worked as a traveling auditor for the state of Oklahoma. In 1965, Gabriel was hired as an accountant for Little Giant Pump company. Because he spoke 5 languages Gabe was appointed as general manager in 1967. He traveled to Europe and Asia to develop an international market for Pumps. Gabriel was president of Little Giant for 42 years. Little Giant Pump Company bought originally for 50,000 in 1955, sold to Tecumseh Products for 3 million dollars. Dad's dreams of becoming a successful businessman had come true.As a Civic leader in Oklahoma, Gabe served as President of Downtown Rotary Club 29, the board of Salvation Army, and March of Dimes. He was an optimist and believed in helping the people of Oklahoma. He was humorous, generous, and had boundless energy. He never met a stranger. " He believed that kindness was the highest form of wisdom".He was married to his wife Linda for 65 years. They had 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. In 1960 the Zablatnik family lived across the street from St. Patrick's catholic church where Gabe volunteered every Saturday to build the new church. Gabe taught his entire family to ski in the Colorado Rockies as he had learned to ski in the Alps.He was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Louise Zablatnik, Ljubljana, Yugoslavia. His sister Myra Zupanc, Argentina, and his granddaughter Kendall House, Texas.He is survived by his wife Linda Zablatnik, his 4 children, Phillip Zablatnik, Charles Zablatnik, Katherine Zablatnik Webster, and Susie House. His 6 grandchildren Katie Torczon, Jessica Kang, Trey House, Jay Webster, Jennifer Webster, and Alex House. Great-grandchildren Connor Torczon, Preston Prieto, Aiden House, and Lucas Kang.Services will be this Thursday at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church 8005 Dorset Dr, Nichols Hills. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery.