Dorothy J. Gabel

 Dorothy J. Gabel, age 84, of Lancaster, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Grant  Regional Health Center in Lancaster. She was born May 17, 1924, in Paris Township, the daughter of Elmer and Ethel (Hamilton) Deiter. She attended school in  Paris Township. On  June 1, 1940, Dorothy was united in marriage to Donald L. Gabel in Dubuque. After their marriage, the couple farmed in  Southwest Wisconsin until 1950, when they purchased Gabel’s Salvage. They operated Gabel’s Salvage until 1986. Dorothy began driving school bus in 1966, retiring in 1986, when she moved to Cassville and began to care for families in their home. Dorothy was an avid bowler, quilter, seamstress and enjoyed making crafts. She was known for her dolls, rugs and quilts. Dorothy also enjoyed canning and reading. She had a big heart and was a mother to many, not just her own children. Dorothy was fun-loving and shared that quality with everyone she met. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, the Forty & Eight, Lion’s Club, DAR, and  Christ Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her eleven children:  Deanna Udelhofen, Lancaster; Judy (Fred) Hutchcroft Moon,  Poplar Grove, IL; Patricia Gestner, Milton; Sandra (Gary) Reed,  Lansing, MI; Mitchell (Cindy) Gabel,  Montezuma, IA; James (Shirley) Gabel, Ft. Collins, CO; Rita (David) Olson Buchholz, Cuba City; Dolly (Denny) Templeton Halvorson, New Glarus; Leane Gabel, Ft. Collins, CO; Tami Gabel, New Glarus; Tim Gabel, Washington, DC; daughter-in-law, Sara Gabel, Lancaster, OH; 41 grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters: Dolores Ready, Rockford, IL; Daryl (Jo) Deiter, Lafaria, TX; Donna (George) Fair, Rockford, IL; Robert (Rosemary) Deiter, Rantoul, IL; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her son, Bob, and a granddaughter, Marillee Olson.

Funeral services wer held on  Saturday, May 9, 2009, at  10:30 a.m. at Christ  Lutheran Church in  Lancaster with Pastor David Froemming officiating. Burial was in Hillside  Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends called on Friday, May 8, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.