A South Dakota community is mourning the tragic loss of a baby boy, whom they named Gabriel James Doe, after his lifeless body was discovered at a local recycling center.
The baby, who was born full-term, was discovered at Millennium Recycling in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on August 6. The child’s name and family were not known.
“And look at the family he has now,” said Pastor Travis Remme, referring to the large gathering at Gabriel’s Memorial Service on Wednesday.
Despite ongoing investigations, authorities have yet to determine the circumstances surrounding Gabriel’s death, including his age and how long he had been at the recycling center.
Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens described the baby as “full-term” and acknowledged that the investigation is ongoing.
The Sioux Falls community continues to mourn the tragic loss of a baby boy, named Gabriel James Doe, whose lifeless body was discovered at a local recycling center.
The full-term baby was found around 6:40 a.m. in the 300 block of East 50th Street North on Aug. 6 with no family or name at Millennium Recycling in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The community has been deeply affected by this heartbreaking tragedy and numerous individuals and organizations have come together to offer their condolences and support.
On August 28, a memorial service was held at Miller Funeral Home Southside Chapel to honor Gabriel’s short life.
“It’s a difficult time when someone loses their child; it’s not normal,” said funeral director Matthew Koball. “It’s really the least we can do to give back to the community because it’s the right thing to do.”
Koball, who lost two children, said she understands the deep pain parents experience when losing a baby.
“Unfortunately, we do a lot of funerals for kids, but none like this,” Koball said. “For me, this is the first.”
‘The smallest coffins are the heaviest to transport.’
More than 200 people attended the service and Sioux Falls police officers served as pallbearers.
As mourners solemnly entered the chapel, they were greeted by the image of baby Gabriel surrounded by a profusion of flowers, teddy bears and toy cars. A single blue star-shaped balloon floated among these symbols of remembrance and love.
More than 200 people attended the service, and Sioux Falls police officers served as pallbearers. The chapel was packed, with mourners left standing in the back and in an overflow area.
The boy was found at Millennium Recycling (pictured) and the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
The chapel was packed, with mourners standing at the back and in an overflow area.
Some attendees brought small children, Gabriel’s new “brothers and sisters,” whose occasional cries echoed the collective pain of the crowd.
Tearful people wearing Millennium Recycling T-shirts were also present, although they declined to comment to the Argus Leader about the loss.
A large bouquet of wildflowers from the recycling center team carried a simple message: “We found you and we love you.”
The funeral service was conducted by Pastor Travis Remme of The Rock Community Church in Rock Rapids, Iowa, his wife Jessica Remme, Pastor Katherine (director of spiritual care at Dow Rummel Village) and the Rev. John Helmueller of the Diocese of Sioux Falls.
Jessica Remme delivered a moving eulogy, describing Gabriel as “an angel with tiny wings and an arrow (who) blessed the lives of others with beauty and grace.”
She continued: ‘An angel came for reasons we may not understand, a short journey with such great gifts and guided by the hand of God. So rest now little angel, your work on Earth is done in the beauty of God’s perfect love, we seek His gift in you.’
Jessica, who also lost a son, said she and Travis were devastated to learn about Gabriel.
Jessica delivered a moving eulogy, describing Gabriel as “an angel with tiny wings and an arrow (who) blessed the lives of others with beauty and grace.”
“I mean, in my case, in particular, as a mother who has lost a child, I know that pain,” Jessica Remme said. “I can’t even imagine what that mother must have been thinking or going through, or what her circumstances must have been to feel like she had no other choice, or whatever. It’s a reminder to check in on your people.”
The Oaklyn Foundation, along with other local organizations, worked together to ensure Gabriel received a proper burial.
Jessica Remme, founder and president of the foundation, chose the name “Gabriel James” for the baby, inspired by the meanings “God is my strength” and “the one who follows.”
“After a loss, there isn’t a lot of support for families. So God put this nonprofit on our hearts and we’ve been blessed to be able to help over 1,000 families across the United States and Canada since 2018,” Jessica told the Argus Leader.
‘Last August, we launched our funeral program, so we worked alongside Miller and other funeral homes in the area to help pay for caskets and urns for children under 16. Since we launched it in August of last year, we’ve paid over $46,000 in funeral costs for families.’
Funeral services were conducted free of charge for Gabriel, as Miller Funeral Home does not charge for services for persons 17 years of age or younger.
“It’s really a beautiful thing that she’s become. If going to the funeral home isn’t your thing, keep praying for her family. Keep praying for her mom. She just needs some prayers,” Jessica told Dakota News Now.
Funeral services were conducted free of charge for Gabriel, as Miller Funeral Home does not charge for services for persons 17 years of age or younger.
“It was really amazing to see the Sioux Falls community come together to pay their respects, spend time and make sure he was buried and cared for properly,” Koball said.
Although the circumstances surrounding Gabriel’s death remain unclear, the community is determined to honor his memory and provide support to his family.
Jessica urged people to continue praying for Gabriel’s mother, who is no doubt experiencing immense pain.
“We know he won’t be alone, that our family will come to visit him,” Jessica said. “He’s an important part of our family now and he won’t be left here alone. We will always remember him.”