Gabel, Michael J. 1843-1931

GABEL, GOODENOW, BELLANDER, TREPTOW, BOHLKEN

Posted By: Bruce Atkinson (email)
Date: 10/21/2007 at 23:36:31

Pioneer Settler Passes Away
Michael Gabel Served During Franco-Prussian War for Germany

On Sunday, July 26, at 3:00 a.m., Michael Gabel, pioneer resident, passed away after a six week's sickness at his home at 215 second Street S.W. Death was caused by kidney trouble and old age. At the time of his death, the deceased was 88 years old, having celebrated his last birthday on April 9th.
He leaves to mourn his loss 10 children, 37 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren; his wife Martha having preceded him in death, almost 12 years ago. The children are : Seven sons, Milton and Frank, LeMars; George of Merrill, and Merton, Arthur, and Ernest of Akron, and Leo of Bath, S. D.; Three daughters Mrs. Lizzie Bellander of Colome S. D., Mrs. Will Treptow of LeMars, and Mrs. Dick Bohlken of Akron.
Michael Gabel, son of Michael and Anna Gabel, was born April 9, 1843, at Bavaria, a province of Germany. He was reared in his native land and received his education in the schools of his neighborhood and remained on the farm until the time for his entrance into the army at 20 years of age. He served his allotted time of service and was shortly afterwards recalled to the colors for service during the Franco-Prussian War.
In 1872, sailing from Bremen he came to this country and came west and located in Clinton county, where he was engaged in farm work for some years, later coming to Sac county, where he bought a quarter section of raw prairie land, paying $5 an acre for the same.
In 1873 he was united in marriage to Martha Goodnow, and they spent 12 years in Sac County. In 1885 they moved to Preston Township, where they developed one of the finest farms in that township. One of his achievements was the planting of a fine 5 acre grove, which still forms an attractive place. In addition to general farming Mr. Gabel made a success of livestock raising. In 1907, he retired from farming and moved to LeMars where he had made his home until the time of his death.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9 a.m. from the home and at 9:30 a.m. from St. John's Evangelical Church. Rev. Van Dyke will have charge of the services. Interment will be made in the family lot at the City Cemetery. Six grandsons will act as pallbearers.
Michael Gabel was well known in this community and leaves many friends who join in sympathy with his children and relatives.

LeMars paper (LeMars, Plymouth County, Iowa) of 07/??/1931.