Mike Gabel

Mike Gabel passed away Friday, April 23, 2010, of metastatic lung cancer. He bravely fought the cancer and side effects from treatment for nearly a year. Surrounded by his family, he gave up the battle and is now safe and pain free in heaven where we will see him again someday. Michael James Gabel was born Dec, 25, 1954, to Phyllis and Julius Gabel in New Rockford, N.D. The family later moved to Montana, and Mike attended schools in Laurel and Billings. He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1973. He was married to Shirley White on March 1, 1974, and together they raised four children. Mike worked as a glazier at PPG Industries (now Northwest Glass) in Billings and as a glazier and project manager at Valley Glass and Windows since 1978. A sterling example of parenthood and grandparenthood, Mike left behind a terrific example for his children, including an incredible work ethic. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching westerns and spending time with his family. He also loved the vacations he and Shirley were able to take to visit extended family and see new places, especially Alaska and the Alamo. Mike is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Jason and his children, Alexander, Nicolai, and Tatiyanna; son, Jeremey (Amy) and their children, Haley, Ryley and Timmy; daughter, Crystal and her children, Arcadia and Ayden; and son, Steven. Mike is also survived by honorary children: Mark (Teresa) Moore and their children, AnnMarie, Keith and Jacob; Elizabeth J. Westpfal; Stephanie Poff; Bill Fiedler and his children, Jonah, Gretchen and Jack. Mike is survived by his sisters, Linda Dickey of Laurel, Joan (Gary) Hoornaert of Harvey, N.D.; Betty (Carl) Jacobson of Battle Ground, Wash., Patricia Fox of Laurel; brothers, Richard (Nancy) Gabel of Belgrade, Larry Gabel of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister-in-law, Barbara (Gary) Hansen of Cody, Wyo.; and mother-in-law, Virginia White of Cody, Wyo. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathy Kreideman; and his brother, David Gabel. A memorial service will held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 29, at Grace Bible Church, 3625 S. 19th Ave., Bozeman.