Walter William Gabelmann, 86, of Riceville, passed away on Dec. 14, 2008 at the Golden Living Center in Rochester, Minn. Funeral services will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ In Riceville on Wednesday Dec. 17, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Mary Hatch and Rev. Dan Christensen officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville on Tuesday during the hours of 3-7 p.m. and one hour before services at the church.
Walter was born on the family farm in Dayton Township in Butler County near Greene on June 27, 1922 to Christian William and Christina Maria (Kehret) Gabelmann. He attended country schools. On Feb. 20, 1946, Walt was united in marriage to Helene Elizabeth Meinzer at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charles City. From 1947 to 1959, Walt and Helene made their home in Powersville. In 1959 they moved to Riceville.
Walt was a livestock dealer, served the city of Riceville as mayor for 20 years, was a great story teller and friend to many.
Survivors include: his daughter, Ruthann Brekke and her husband Frank of Rochester, Minn.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Jason Gansen and his wife Shauna , and their daughter Kate, of Brandon S.D., Jeremy Gansen and his wife Angie and their son Caiden, of Cannon Falls, Minn., Jeff Gansen and his wife Heather and their daughter Lydia of Mason City, Jessica Brekke and her son Hunter of Rochester, Minn., and Eric Brekke of Seeley, Calif.; one sister: Hulda Everding of Tripola; two sister-in-laws: Kathryn Gabelmann of Clear Lake, and Mert Cummings of Keokuk; and many nieces and nephews.
Walt was preceded by his wife Helene on June 2, 1995, his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
Lindstrom Funeral Home, PO Box 100, Riceville, IA 50466, (641) 985-2242 is in charge of the arrangements.