Gabel, Ronald Harlan

Ronald Harlan Gabel died June 3, 2012, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A memorial celebration will held June 16 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Gabel home on Wylde Green Road in Iowa City. The family would love to have everyone who was touched by Mr. Ron Gabel to celebrate with them.

Ronald was born in Ankeny on Aug. 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.

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 five children of their own, but were surrogate parents to many. The Gabel 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 4-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 and 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; brothers, Gary and Russ; many nieces and nephews; and four granddogs.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com

Published June 7, 2012 in The Gazette