Abraham Daniel Imel, age 18, of St. Francis, Minnesota, passed away in a car accident on May 1, 2026. While his time on earth was short, Abraham lived with a depth of faith and a spirit of adventure that left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. A Requiem Mass will be held 9:00 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Oak Grove, Minnesota. A visitation and Rosary will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti, MN from 4:00-6:30 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery (following the Mass) with a luncheon following the burial at The Refuge in Oak Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy.
“My hope is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” — St. Isaac Jogues
March 1, 2008 – May 1, 2026
Abraham’s life was anchored in his profound passion for Jesus Christ. He carried a deep and intentional devotion to the Blessed Mother, the Rosary, and Saint Joseph. For his Confirmation, Abraham chose Saint Isaac Jogues as his patron, admiring the North American martyr’s rugged courage and willingness to sacrifice everything for the Cross. Like his patron saint, Abraham was a man of grit and action, most often found in the outdoors.
A true adventurer at heart, Abraham lived with restless energy and a love for the great outdoors. He was never one to sit still, whether he was climbing trees or hitting the slopes on his snowboard or riding his snowmobile through our fields. He possessed a natural mechanical mind and spent countless hours in the garage or on the trails—fixing, tuning, and riding his dirt bikes and four-wheelers. He loved the speed, the grease, and the freedom of the ride.
One of Abraham’s favorite places on earth was EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and he was already making plans to be there this summer. He had attended AirVenture every summer since he was just four months old.
He was a loving big brother and was looking forward to an airsoft event with Solomon in June. He liked giving them all rides on his various machines.
Abraham was preceded in death by his siblings, Ignatius and Beatrice, lost in miscarriage; his great-grandparents, Delbert and Jackie Stenson; and James and Shirley Williams.
Abe’s greatest joy was found in his large, loving, and active family. He is survived by his devoted parents, Heidi and Robert Imel, and his siblings: Anastasia, Adelaide, Solomon, Josiah, Francis, Jacqueline, Anthony, Philip, and Dominic.
He is also survived by his grandparents, Daniel and Natalie Stenson of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Robert and Jill Imel of Sagola, Michigan; and Carolyn and Harry Wilklow of Titusville, Florida, Great Grandma Betty Imel of Portland, IN. He will be deeply missed by his aunts and uncles: Aubrey and Matthew Thompson, with cousins Avery and Clayton; Chris and Justine Imel, with cousins Laine and Oliver; Benjamin Imel; Sam and Kelsey Imel; and Kyle Stenson, with cousins Brianna, Bailey, and Jonathan. He will be lovingly remembered by his special friend, Sophia. Abraham will also be deeply missed by many great-aunts, great-uncles, and a community of friends and fellow parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary, all of whom will remember his vibrant energy and steadfast heart.
I didn’t know Abe very well — only in passing — but I do have one memory of him that has stayed with me. When my mother had a heart attack in 2019, the Imel family was incredibly kind to us during her recovery. I remember visiting them one afternoon during that difficult time. Abraham was so sweet to me and my sister; he comforted us and distracted us from our worry by showing us how to make little bows and arrows out of sticks and string from their yard. He will be missed dearly. He and the entire Imel family are in my prayers.
Abraham, you’re my best friend. I’m thankful for all the times we’ve spent together. I’ll miss you always.
Do sorry dear family. Love you all. Did not know Abraham but knowing you Heidi I know he is most excellent! Prayers are with you all. Jesus ‘s loving arms around you all!
To Heidi, Rob, and family, we are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences. May Our Lady of Sorrows comfort and console you.
I only knew Abe for a few years, but that was more then enough time for me to see what a great person he was. I just wish I had been able to know him better. There was a time where I was having a tough time, and Abe reached out to me and he listened to me when I told him I was struggling, and that meant the world to me. He was always so kind. Thank you Mr and Mrs Imel for raising such an amazing young man.
Sending my love and prayers at this terrible time. Though you do not know me, I want you and your family to know that you are being grieved with and lifted up in prayer. May Christ and His Blessed Mother unfold you in their arms and comfort you. So deeply sorry for your loss, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Requiescat in pace.
I didn’t know Abe well, but one interaction I had with him will stay with me. I was behind him in line for confession during first Mass and noticed the line had gone down in front of him. I pointed it out to him and asked him if we should move forward. He kindly said yes, but that he wanted to wait to move until after the Consecration, which was about to take place. It was a very simple moment, but I saw he held such a reverence for the Mass. He reminded me not to be distracted from what’s most important.
To Heidi and Rob and family, please accept our deepest prayers and sympathies with you for Abe. May he rest in peace.
RIP+ Abe! My condolences to the Imel family – be assured of my prayers for Abe and for all of you during this time
We are friends with Aubrey and Matt’s family in Maryland. I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what it is like to lose your precious son. My heart grieves for you. I am so happy Abraham knew the Lord. I have been praying each day that you would feel the Lord’s comfort in a near and dear way, that He would wrap His arms around you as you cope with this loss. We will continue to pray for you.
There are no words to express how much I loved your son. I knew Abe like the back of my hand. He, John and I would hang out almost every night. John and I will miss him so so very much. Too many memories were made to pick just one, but all of them will be cherished ❤️
Aubrey and Matthew live next door. They are the best neighbors and friends you could ask for. I imagine Abraham was also giving and kind. I pray you find peace and comfort during this terrible time. May your family and God’s love keep give you strength.
My heart is crushed by this news. And as I know it’s been a while since I have seen them kiddos. One memory always sticks out. Working at the YMCA and while he was in there. He and savanna would play. . My daughter always took my phone but I never locked it. I think they were 2 or 3 at this time. But for some reason that day, I put a lock on the flip phone and Abe took it. Was a normal occurrence. So nothing new. The one time I locked it. And he dials 911 and the cops show up…. I laughed at that for days.
Many blessing and prayers to everyone. Pray God gives you and your family strength and comfort during this difficult time.
My deepest and sincerest condolences to his parents, family, and friends. It’s difficult to find the words, but Abe is such a dear, dear friend, and I have so many memories of his kindness, gentleness, and generosity.
I hope his family finds consolation in Our Mother and Christ’s Sacred Heart.
I’ll miss and love you forever Abe. Rest in Christ.
Our deepest sympathy to your family. We are praying for you.
My son John considered Abe his best friend. They were always together. We often commented at home when John wasn’t around, that he must have moved in with Abes family. They had just started working together at the same company doing lawn care.
We will miss you dearly Abe. My heart aches over this tragedy and for the family. May the Holy family give them healing during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Abraham! I did not know him, nor do I know his family- I think God wanted me to see his obituary- my own Grandson, whose name is Abraham “Abe” is 16 and just got his drivers license today. Your Abe and mine sound a lot alike and reading how your Abe died in a car accident will definitely make me pray harder, appreciate each day with him and encourage his lasting faith and trust in Jesus! I will also have him read this obituary and think about Abe before he ventures out into the unknown. I am praying for all who loved your Abraham!
Abraham was in my class for a brief 6 months or so. At that time I was only 10. As years went our interactions became few. When I did see him though he always had a smile on his. Now that this tragedy has happened I wish I could have known him. Mr. And Mrs. Imel I am so sorry for your loss and may his soul rest in the hands of God.