Gary Lee Abel

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Gary Lee Abel, 61, of Mina, SD, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Pastor Gary Compton officiating.

Refreshments and a time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

Visitation at the mortuary will be from noon until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Friends may sign Gary’s online guestbook and also view his service via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Gary Lee Abel was born August 15, 1956, to Dale and Doris (Maus) Abel in Montevideo, MN.  He attended school in Maynard, MN and graduated from Maynard High School with the Class of 1974.

Following graduation, Gary immediately began working for the Milwaukee Railroad in Montevideo, MN.  In 1982, he moved to Aberdeen, where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad and raised his two sons, Jason and Joshua.  Gary was employed with Burlington Northern until he was 55 years old.  He then began trucking small grains as well as farming with a family friend until he retired in 2016.

During his retirement years, Gary enjoyed helping out at the Gould’s farm, spending time outdoors, and all types of hunting.  He especially enjoyed watching as his hunting dog worked the fields.  Gary also loved family visits and traveling.  He and his companion, Kim, had recently purchased a travel trailer and had just returned from spending time vacationing in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Gary was involved for many years with Black Hills Ski For Light, an organization that offers downhill and cross country skiing events for blind/visually impaired and mobility impaired individuals.

Grateful to have shared in Gary’s life are his son, Jason (Camille) Abel; three grandchildren:  Ashley, Rhiannon and Rylan; four brothers:  Bruce (Kathy) Abel, Alan Abel, Richard Abel and Charlie (Betsy) Abel; one sister, Kathy (Tim) Wallace; and his companion, Kim Richards.

Gary is preceded in death by one son, Joshua Abel; his parents, Dale and Doris; and one brother, Roger Abel.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Black Hills Ski For Light, (605) 341-3626, P.O. Box 3707, Rapid City, SD 57709.