Marian E. Gabel

Marian E. Gabel, 104, formerly of Watertown, met her redeemer and entered her eternal reward on November 12, 2020 in Westfield, Indiana. Marian was born to Ambrose and Leila (McKeen) Anderson in 1916 at a farm outside Excelsior, MN. She graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis and attended Northwestern College there. Marian then worked with children at Bethany Orphanage in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. In 1944 she married the Rev. Glen S. Gabel and together they led congregations in ministering to communities in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota over a period spanning five decades. Local churches included Conde & Andover Methodist (1963-1966), Florence, Henry, Hazel and Thomas United Methodist and Bradley Baptist (1966-1971). After her husband passed in 1971, Marian continued serving as a lay minister for the United Methodist churches at Henry and Hazel for seven years. She then worked as a visitation pastor for 9th Avenue United Methodist (Cornerstone) Church of Watertown, South Dakota. In 1986, she retired to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area where she provided pulpit supply and led Bible studies and prayer groups in her apartment complex. She later moved to Rochester, MN near a son, and then to Westfield, IN to live with her daughter. Marian was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Glen S. Gabel, foster daughter DeLores Peters, her parents and her six siblings. She is survived by her children Daniel (Trudy) Gabel of Watertown, Lois Joy Swenson Franklin of Carmel, IN, Stephen Gabel of Loves Park, IL and Wesley (Diane) Gabel of Brooklyn Park, MN. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great great grandson. Marian will be interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, SD. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for her will be held at a later date, still to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Red Rock Camp Association, Forest Hills Church, 1790 11th St. SE, Forest Lake, MN 55025. All who knew Marian would agree she achieved her life goal of being a witness for Christ and a blessing to all. - Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel