Wilbur Gabel, 85, Valley City, ND went on to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 20, 2019. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM in St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Valley City. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00.
Wilbur Joseph Gabel was born February 3, 1934 in Max ND, to Elmer and Magdalene (Krebsbach) Gabel. As a child the family moved to Hankinson, ND where he graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1952. As a senior in high school, Wilbur joined the Naval Reserve and became active in 1954. He married Georgiana “Gina” Birchem that year as well in Hankinson, ND.
After returning from the Navy, Wilbur attended bricklaying school at Wahpeton Science for a few months. When asked why he chose masonry as his trade he said, “Wages were bad. Bricklayers made more money than plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.”
Getting a feel for bricklaying, Wilbur continued in the trade and apprenticed for four years under Rohl Construction in Fargo ND beginning in 1956. He was done with his apprenticeship in 1960. He worked for a few different companies before Wick Construction in Valley City, ND. Wilbur worked with Wick for five years starting in 1960 and again from 1969-1970. In 1961, they moved to Valley City. After Wick, he worked for Dick Wells for a time, then started working for Edlund Construction in 1971 specializing in field stone and building commercial buildings, earning the title of brick layer foreman.
In 1980 Edlund Construction went out of business Gabel Masonry was started. Wilbur’s children grew to appreciate the art of bricklaying and stone masonry. Rocky started working with his dad fulltime in 1973, Rory in 1977, and Rodney in 1983.
Nearly every building of any kind of significance from the 50’s, through the 90’s in Valley City, Wilbur, had a hand in. Besides working on new construction, Wilbur and his sons restored old stone and brick buildings and built stone and brick fireplaces. He was a master and specialized in fieldstone.
After retiring, he took his horseshoe playing to a new level. He won the World Championship as did his grandson, Noah in 2010, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Wilbur, his family, including his great-grandson, still attend and participate in the World Championships. To win is a big deal. The Championship brings competitors from all over the world including Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and Africa. He was also a lifelong billiard player, captaining many championship teams.
Wilbur had many loves in his life, but none surpassed the love he had for his family. Gina, passed in 2005 after 50 years of marriage. The legacy of their marriage was love, companionship, and family. Wilbur is survived by his children, Rocky (Leah), Roxanne, Rory (Stefanie), and Rodney; 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Wilbur’s brothers, Blase (Marlene), Ray, and Kevin (Marlene) also survive along with a sisters-in-law, Renae Gabel and Adeline Birchem; brother-in-law, Kenny Birchem; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter-in-law, Debbie; brothers, Ramon “Ellis” and Gail; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Addie, Laurel, Pike, Jim, Laura, Billy, Cecelia, Bob, and Tom.
The Lerud-Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting Wilbur’s family with arrangements. An online guestbook is available at https://www.lerudschuldt.com