Ronald Harlan Gabel

GABEL, CARLSON, VEDOVA, ROLON, MCGILL

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 6/7/2012 at 09:51:49

Ronald Harlan Gabel was born in Ankeny on August 22, 1937 to Harlan and Elna (Carlson) Gabel. “Duke” to his friends, served in the Navy, and then attended The University of Iowa. While there, in his professional passion of aerospace physics, he participated on Voyager, Explorer, Pioneer and many other projects. Later Ron’s work included UI Orthopedic Biomechanics and Rockwell Collins.
A memorial celebration will held Saturday June 16th from 1 to 6pm at the Gabel home on Wylde Green Rd in Iowa City. The family would love to have everyone that was touched by Mr. Ron Gabel celebrate with them. Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com. Ron died on June 3rd at UIHC.

In 1965 Ron’s blind date went rather well, ending in a near 50 year marriage to the true love of his life Janelle Della Vedova. They raised 5 children of their own, but were surrogate parents to many. The Gabel’s home was an open door welcoming all from their closest friends to complete strangers with the same smiles and heartfelt warmth. You always left with a full belly and feelings of true generosity, with no expectation of returning the favor.
Ron would do anything for the love of his family which was obvious through his four month struggle following a brain aneurysm. His brilliant mind and compassion touched so many. We were fortunate to know him even though too briefly, and carry on his spirit of family, food, loyalty, compassion, sincerity, encouragement and thoughtfulness. He was no stranger to a joke or a good story- especially if he was telling it.
Ron’s devotion was greatest for his wife, Janelle and his daily calls will be missed most by his children and grandchildren: Stephanie, Melanie, Casey (Carlos Rolon, Paolo and Mila), of Chicago. Still living in Iowa City: Cecily (Scott McGill, Cooper, Drake & Ven), and Matthew (Heather Karier, D’Essence), who are expecting another daughter adding one more to the Gabel family that Ron will get to hold, feed, make laugh, garden with, and protect, before we meet her in October.
He is also survived by his sister Geraldine and brothers Gary and Russ and many nieces and nephews and 4 granddogs.