Harry G. Abel
Harry Gene Abel, 89, was a lifelong resident of the Marquette/McGregor area. He passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2024, at the Great River Care Center in McGregor.
Harry was born on Oct. 12, 1934, as the second child to Harry and Bernice (Livingston) Abel. He was raised in his maternal grandparents’ home in Marquette with many aunts and uncles after losing his father to scarlet fever, a day after his birth. He attended school until eighth grade and then he chose to work. He became known as a grubstake to many friends and family. Over time, his nickname was shortened to “Grub” and even “Brub” to more family members, which meant “brother” to them. On May 17,1957, he was united in marriage to Marlene Y. Welch. Together, they raised eight children along with various pets in Marquette. Harry worked many different jobs throughout his lifetime and ended up retiring from NorthAmerican/Design Homes after 30 years. He enjoyed spending time with family and hobbies included modifying/detailing car bodies, traveling and many outdoor activities. He was also known as a tinkerer to many, always making/building something.
Harry is survived by his seven children, Dean (Elizabeth) Abel of Walworth, Wis., Perre (Peggy) Abel of Marquette, Scott (Susan) Abel of North Palm Beach, Fla., Cheri (Scott) Smith of Appleton, Wis., Joni (Dean) Chamberlain of Old Greenwich, Conn., Jon (Mary) Abel of Cedar Rapids and Amy (Jeremy) Diehl of Marquette; grandchildren, Terre, Alisha, Anna, Emily, Karly, Kristin, Sarah, Elli, Madeline, Rachel, Jackson, Julia, Chloe, Nina and Bryce; great-grandchildren, Alydia, Brayson, Aiden, Mason, Adam, Everett, Abigail, Ella, Owen, Theodore, Georgia, Wilson, Maxwell and Marilynn; sister, Darlene (Abel) Oesterle, Nathan, Emma and a wonderful, large list of nieces, nephews and other extended family.
He is preceded in death by his wife Marlene; parents; daughter, Mari (Paul) Eggen; brother-in-law, Eugene Oesterle; and granddaughter-in-law, Beth Abel.
The family would like to thank Turner Pointe Assisted Living, Great River Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for all the support through the end stages of Harry’s life.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, with a visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McGregor. Rev. Martin Coolidge will be the celebrant.
Inurnment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor.
Condolences can be sent to C/O The Abel Family, P.O. Box 336, Marquette, IA 52158.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor, is assisting the family.
