John B. Gabel

January 24, 1944 - October 28, 2016

John B. Gabel, 72, of Brookings, SD passed away Friday, October 28, 2016 at The Veteran Administration Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. A second visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, at 401 Blunt Street, Charles City, IA, with a Rosary held at 6:30 pm. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Roseville, IA with graveside services and Military Honors at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. John B. Gabel was born on January 24, 1944, in Charles City, IA, the son of Oscar and Dorothy (Slinger) Gabel. John received his education at St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Roseville, IA and was a graduate of Charles City Community High School in 1962. After receiving his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed his basic training at San Antonio and served at Sioux City Air Base and the Republic of Vietnam for one year. While in Vietnam, John was wounded and received the Purple Heart, as well as numerous other decorations and awards. Upon returning home he was honorably discharged and continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA. He married Jane Detloff in LeMars, IA. After completing his education he accepted a position with C&NW Railroad at Mason City. In 1972, John was promoted and transferred to the C&NW’s headquarters in Chicago. In 1991, John was united in marriage to Patrice Boezio. In 1992, they moved to Brookings, SD where he accepted a position with DM&E Railroad. John continued his employment with DM&E Railroad until his retirement on March 31, 2010, after 40 years of service working for the railroads. John was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the VFW Post in Brookings. He enjoyed woodworking and watching NASCAR Motor Sports. He is survived by his wife, Patrice Gabel, of Brookings, SD; one son, Christopher (Kathryn) Gabel, of Reddick, FL; one daughter Elizabeth Ann (Keith) Wagner McHenry, IL; six grandchildren; one Brother, Gerald Gabel, of Rockford, IA and one sister, Gila (Ronald) Jorgensen, of Rockford, IA John was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Doris. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com or www.fullertonfh.com Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa 50616 641-228-4211. www.Fullertonfh.com, Facebook/Fullertonfuneralhomes