Gabriel Leroy Jenks

November 23, 2004 – July 11, 2025

Beloved Son, Brother, Friend, and Adventurer

It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, Gabriel Leroy Jenks, on July 11, 2025. He was just 20 years old.

Gabriel was born on November 23, 2004, in Omaha, Nebraska, and from his very first breath, he lived life with energy, boldness, and a heart full of joy. To know Gabe was to know someone who was always in motion, always laughing, and always chasing the next adventure.

A passionate snowboarder, skateboarder, and true outdoorsman, Gabe had a deep love for nature and the wild places of the world. His happiest days were spent surrounded by pine trees, high above the treeline, or coasting down a snowy slope with his signature fearless grin. He loved hiking mountain trails, sleeping under the stars, and anything that brought him closer to the thrill of being alive.

He also loved riding his new Yamaha Raptor four-wheeler and had a passion for motorcycles—the wind in his face, the road stretched out ahead, and the rush of freedom he craved. Whether he was flying down a mountain, carving up a street on his board, or tearing through trails on four wheels, Gabe lived life at full throttle.

Gabe had a deep passion for traveling and going to music festivals with his friends. He soaked up every beat, every light show, every laugh-filled memory under open skies. These were moments where he came alive—where his joy was electric and his spirit, unmistakably free.

One of Gabe’s most remarkable qualities was his extraordinarily big heart. He would do anything for anyone, at any time. Gabe would truly give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. His kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others defined him just as much as his adventurous spirit.

In roughly August 2023, Gabe moved to Golden, Colorado, where he spent about a year living out his dream among the mountains with his good friend Sasha. The two shared not only a love for snowboarding, hiking, and fresh mountain air—but a bond rooted in friendship, freedom, and fun. Colorado was a place that truly matched Gabe’s spirit: wild, open, and full of life.

Around September 2024, he returned home with a heart full of memories and new dreams on the horizon. Gabe was building his life as a young realtor, approaching his career with the same energy he brought to everything he did—bold, charismatic, and all-in.

But what we’ll remember most is his laughter. Gabe was the kind of person who could light up the darkest room with a joke, a goofy face, or a ridiculous story. He was a comedian to his core—never afraid to be silly, never afraid to be himself. His joy was contagious, and he made life feel lighter for those around him.

Gabriel is survived by his loving father, Joel Jenks; his mother, Skyler Ricard, and his other father, Aaron Ricard; his brothers and sisters, Isaiah Jenks, Beau Ricard, Zoe Ricard, Selah Ricard, and Jessa Jenks; as well as grandparents, extended family, and many friends who became like family. Each of them will carry his memory, his spirit, and his laughter in their hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Gabe’s life by doing what he loved—take a walk in the woods, ride something fast, dance to your favorite song, or make someone laugh when they need it most.

We miss you endlessly, Gabriel.

You were our wild-hearted wonder. Our laughter. Our light.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

—Psalm 34:18