Edward Martin Gabel, 99, Lenexa, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m., today, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan. Burial will follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice.
Edward was born March 13, 1914, in Piper, to Martin Joseph and Thereisa Catherine (Deister) Gabel. He attended old Catholic High School and graduated from Ward High School in 1933. During World War II, he served his country working at the Sunflower Ordinance Plant in De Soto. while attending night classes at Kansas University. After the war, he completed his electrical schooling at Finley Engineering College. Refrigeration and air conditioning were beginning to be developed for use in stores and homes and he was able to learn about this industry at the beginning. He took a job at the Kroger Company installing and maintaining refrigeration equipment and was employed by Kroger until his retirement.
He loved birds and built bird feeders and bird houses. He especially liked wrens and built dozens of wren houses. He provided wren houses to anyone in the family who wanted one and built houses for Sanctuary of Hope. He drew all sorts of birds to numerous feeders in his yard and waged an ongoing war with the raider squirrels.
Ed liked to hunt and fish, and even in his later years, he was still looking for those elusive pheasants or dropping a line in the water whenever he had the chance.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary Magdalen Wille, his daughter, Carol Ann, and grandson, James Edward Watson. Four children survive him: Janet (Jim) Watson, Overland Park, Linda Klindt, Lenexa, Barbara (Joe) Williams, Edwardsville, and Edward (DeAnn) Gabel, Kansas City, Kan. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The family is most appreciative of the loving care provided by Sunrise Assisted Living and Compassionate Care Hospice. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleyhoge.com.
Edward Gabel
