Gerald "Gabe" Lee Gabel

Gerald “Gabe” Lee Gabel left us for greener pastures on July 8, 2024. Born in Poplar, Montana, on Feb. 10, 1936, Gabe was the 11th of 13 children born to Heinrich “Henry” Gabel and Maria “Mabel” Grosskopf, who wed on Feb. 8, 1920. His siblings and their spouses include Esther (Reinold) Buerkle, Harold (Dorothy) Gabel, Alvin (Marylou) Gabel, Dorothy Shinazy, Roy (Clarice) Gabel, Majorie “Marge” (Fred) Herman, Violet (Bob) Eckhardt, Henry “Buck” (Eleanor) Gabel, Annabelle (Reynold) Schreiner, Alvina (August) Jansma, Conrad “Cooney” (Mary, “Sam”) Gabel, and Larry (Beverly) Gabel.

Gabe grew up in Hardin, Montana, where he attended school and worked on the family farm. He then worked for Holm-Sutherland Construction, Inc. until he and Bob Holmes started G & B Excavation, which later became Gabel Construction. It would be mind-blowing to know how much pipe and cable he laid and the tons of dirt he moved during his life. Adding a splash of personality to his legacy, Gabe chose some unique company colors, “Gabel teal and white.” He custom-created this vibrant paint color scheme to brand his company and everything he drove. His vehicles were unmistakable, making it easy to spot him from afar.

Like John Wayne, Gabe was a manly man with many talents and colorful stories, leaving family and friends with countless memories. He had a pioneering spirit, much like the Duke himself. Gabe and the love of his life, Orlena, owned Belgium mules and went on covered wagon journeys that were like scenes from an old Western movie.

Gabe enjoyed fishing, camping, raising cattle, building log homes and restoring old cars. Family meant everything to him. Gabe and Orlena have six surviving children: Geraldine Gabel Mollett, Eileen Gabel, Levi Gabel, Randy (Connie) Paulson, Tim (Lorna) Paulson and Marci (Ole) Shafer. Together, they loved and cherished their blended family of seven children, countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even some great-great-grandchildren. He was a strong man who was tough on the outside but with a heart of gold. Babies loved Gabe, and his ability to make them laugh and smile was second to none.

Gabe was a true role model of hard work to others. Whether he was building roads or spending countless hours operating heavy equipment, his passion for his work was evident. His creative mind made him a master of his trade, and he took immense pride in his work. He believed in the value of hard work and honesty, and tackled every job with grit and determination. He showed us all that if you want something, you must work for it.

His stories, laughter and unbreakable spirit will always be in our hearts. May his adventures continue in the great beyond and may we all carry forward his love for family, hard work and honesty. Rest easy, Gabe, you will be deeply missed and forever loved. Happy trails until we meet again.

Pallbearers: Randy Paulson, Tim Paulson, Ole Shafer, Barry Gabel, Joe Goggins, Dick Decker, and Hank Cantrell.

Memorials can be made to Shriners Hospital, Saint Jude, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.