Gayle Marie Quernemoen, age 89, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, with loving family by her side.

Gayle was born on January 3, 1936, in Minneapolis, MN, to Ruth and Arnold Abrahamson. She attended Roosevelt High School and graduated in 1953. She married David Quernemoen of Fergus Falls, and together they welcomed their daughter, Pamela, in 1955.

Gayle had an impressive 47-year career at Honeywell, where she built lasting friendships with many colleagues over the years. She was a proud and courageous 40-year survivor of breast cancer, even sharing her journey publicly in a feature on KARE 11 News, inspiring others.

David & Gayle moved to Burnsville, MN, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. After David's passing in 2001, she found joy in a vibrant neighborhood full of new friendships and social gatherings. Gayle and Pam shared many vacations with friends and loved ones during this time. Gayle also found joy in serving at her church as a wedding planner for Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, MN.

In 2006, she was given a second chance at love and married Joseph Skinn, with whom she shared nearly 20 beautiful years of travel, laughter, and living life to the fullest until his passing in June 2024.

In 2020, Gayle suffered a stroke that challenged her fiercely independent spirit. Though her speech and mobility were limited, she remained strong and determined. Joe lovingly cared for her until his own health declined. In 2022, Gayle moved to Orchard Path Assisted Living in Apple Valley, where she once again developed new friendships with the residents and staff.

Gayle adored her family and made every holiday unforgettable. She hosted countless celebrations with her signature spunk and sparkle, always going the extra mile to create lasting memories. She poured her heart into her family and friendships. She was selfless in her love, loyal and protective of her family, and deeply proud of the life and family she built. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the belief that life is meant to be celebrated.

Gayle treasured her granddaughters—Kelly, Katie, and Nicole—and was deeply committed to her role as a grandmother. She was immensely proud of "her girls" and added immeasurable joy to their lives, just as they did to hers. Gayle also cherished being a "Nana," a term her great-grandchildren used, and had a special connection with each of them.

Gayle is survived by her devoted daughter, Pam Fowler (Bob); her beloved granddaughters, Kelly Miller (Doug), Katie Kelly-Gustafson (Matt), and Nicole Santikko (Paul); and her adored great-grandchildren: Kendra, Kaitlyn, Ben, Hayden, Emmy, Brady, Eli, and Beau. She is also survived by her niece and nephew, Amy Smith and John Contino; her bonus family through her marriage to Joe: Debbie Andrews (Craig), Kathy Cassens (Tony), Randall Skinn (Mika); and bonus grandchildren, Shane, Keith, Kimie, Gregory, Jeffrey, and Sarah. Gayle leaves behind many dear and loyal friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, David Quernemoen and Joseph Skinn; her parents Ruth and Arnold Abrahamson; her sister Lois Contino; and many loved ones who will welcome her with open arms at the gates of heaven.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21 from 5–8 PM at White Funeral Home in Apple Valley. A funeral service and interment will follow on Thursday, May 22 from 10 AM-11 AM (visitation 1-hour prior) at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, a peaceful sanctuary she adored, where she will be laid to rest alongside her parents and beloved husband, David. A lunch reception will follow.

Gayle had a generous heart and loved giving—whether it was a thoughtful hostess gift, fresh flowers, or a kind gesture to lift someone during a difficult time; please consider paying it forward with an act of kindness in her honor.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Orchard Path as well as her care team from Minnesota Hospice for the compassion and comfort they provided in Gayle's final days.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com