Richard C. Gabel

Richard C. Gabel, 84, of Rockford, passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City with his family by his side.

A public visitation will be held at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. Those in attendance will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines and to please wear a face covering, thank you for your understanding.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Roseville with Father Ralph Davis officiating. The service will be live streamed on the Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home Facebook page at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City.

Richard Clarke Gabel, the son of Harvey and Gertrude (Allen) Gabel, was born on Aug. 26, 1935 in Charles City, Iowa. He received his education in the Charles City area, graduating from Charles City High School in 1953. Richard then worked at Oliver before enlisting into the United States Army and proudly serving his country. After his honorable discharge he went back to Oliver and also helped his father on the farm until 1959 when he started farming and being a pork producer on his own.

Richard was united in marriage to Phyllis Crandall on June 28, 1958 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. This union was blessed with three children. Richard was born, raised and farmed on the same land his entire life. He was one of the first farmers to apply conservation efforts to his land in Floyd County, a top seed corn producer, top pork producer, won an Izaak Walton League Award (along with several others awards for his farming efforts) and remained a gentleman farmer who respected the land of which he was proud to be a steward. Richard retired from farming in 2002 which allowed him and Phyllis to do more traveling. They wintered in Mesa, Arizona for over 20 years together, always hitting the road the day after their family Christmas.

Richard was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Roseville, the Moose and the Elks. He loved to bowl, play a great game of cards, golf and fox hunt (always sure to have clean rifles). Richard enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports, especially baseball, football and occasionally tennis. He owned a few great cars throughout his lifetime, and always strived for a sharp and very clean car.

Richard was modest and humble, not liking a lot of fuss about him. He was a quietly faithful man who loved his family. Richard taught them that hard work and perseverance pay off in the end, and that if you live a clean life you can reap the rewards.

Living family members include his wife of 62 years, Phyllis; three children: Jeffery Gabel of Charles City, Rick (Danene) Gabel of Cedar Falls and Marnie (Troy) Wilkes of Waterloo; five grandchildren: Caleb (Ashley) Gabel, Austin Gabel, Danny Gabel, Chelsea (Jake) Smith and Chanlea (Jason) Thompson; two great-grandchildren: Kayson and Lincoln; along with several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Celeste Havey Gabel; and sister, Marilyn Wills.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.