Richard Melvin "Dick" Gabel, , 85, of Tiffin, went home to be with the Lord on, Sunday, September 22nd, surrounded by his wife and children.

Dick was born in Fremont, Ohio on July 15th, 1939, to the late Melvin Gabel and Grace (Willy) Gabel. Dick was the oldest of 6 children.  He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Janet (Harry) Crosby: and two brothers, James (Eileen) Gabel and Michael Gabel.   A sister, Karen (Harold) Smith and brother, Thomas (Sally) Gabel survive.

In the mid 1940's, Dick's parents moved the family to the Tiffin area.  Dick grew up on the family farm, raising pigs. In 1957, Dick graduated from Old Fort High School, where he played baseball and ran track.    Growing up, 4-H was a big part of his life, often winning the Blue Ribbon at the Seneca County fair.   Dick worked at the Tiffin Dairy,  Goodyear and retired from Marywood in 2004.

Dick met Mary Ann Jackson of Deshler, Ohio while she was in nursing school on a blind date.  They married on September 8, 1962.  They celebrated their 62nd anniversary this year.

Dick was a dedicated member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Through most of his life, Dick was an avid bowler.   His dad introduced him to league bowling at the age of 16.   Although he was often close, he achieved a perfect 300 game on January 26, 2006.   He bowled in the nationals for 25 years.  Dick also had a passion for auto racing, gardening, Guardian's baseball and OSU football.

In retirement, Dick and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling, gambling trips and playing cards with their many friends.  One of his great loves was being part of a truck racing team in retirement.  He was very proud of his children and enjoyed time with his wife, kids and their families.  Grandpa was a joy to his nine grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann.  Dick and Mary Ann have five surviving children, Richard Jr. of Austin, Texas; Randy (Beth) of Worthington, Ohio; Theresa (Jerry) Walden of Westerville, Ohio; Robert (Amy) Of Delaware, Ohio and Rodney (Heather) of Vestal, NY.   Also surviving are nine grandchildren:  Ashley (Dilan), Ryan, Tyler, Jason, Daniel, Paul, Anne-Marie, Audrey and Hannah. He is also survived by brother-in-law Dennis (Janet) Jackson, Michael (Marty) Jackson, a sister-in-law, Barb and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 28th, 2024, at 10 am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Rader officiating.  Burial will follow at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, from 4-7:00 pm at Hoffman-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory.

Memorials can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church and Bridge Hospice of Findlay.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.