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Audrey Gabel Obituary
She was born May 3, 1940, to Ferne and Earl Coxbill who resided in Atkinson, Neb. Audrey was valedictorian of her graduating class and went on to obtain her BA degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She received both her MS and Ph.D. degrees from the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Iowa State University.
Audrey taught biology at Black Hills State University for 18 years and continued her research on the fungi of the state after her retirement. She is the author of many scientific articles and presented papers at both national and regional meetings. She presented her last scientific talk at the April 2011 meeting of the South Dakota Academy of Science. Audrey along with one of her former students, Elaine Ebbert, also authored a photographic guidebook to fungi of the Black Hills.
Audrey was an avid backpacker, hiker and cross-country skier. She enjoyed nature and travel, especially long-distance hikes in foreign countries. She had a dynamic enthusiasm that entered all aspects of her life from her professional career to her personal relationships. Her conservation efforts in the community, dedication to teaching and research, energetic involvement with friends and family and overall spirit of curiosity and adventure will be remembered by those who had the good fortune to know her.
Audrey was formerly married to Richard Wacha of Des Moines, Iowa, and married Mark Gabel in 1985. She is the mother of two children, Heather Wacha of Iowa City, Iowa, and Richard Wacha of Taipei, Taiwan. She is survived by her husband, Mark; her children; her sister, Bette (Coxbill) Cox of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and her brother, Clifford Coxbill of Okeechobee, Fla.
A non-religious celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Matthews Opera House in downtown Spearfish.
Memorials may be sent to the Black Hills State University Herbarium or the Black Hills Program of The Nature Conservancy.
Memories and Condolences
for Audrey Gabel
Rennae Fuzzey
July 13, 2011
Our hearts go out to you and Audrey's "kids", Mark. We are so very sorry for your loss. I know that she truly was your "soulmate," and the two of you made an incredible team. I remember years ago, how you told me that each day you woke up so thankful for her...your love and appreciation was evident. I know she felt the same for you.Peace be with you in the coming days...love, Rennae & Tom
Mark Kuegle
July 13, 2011
Mark, sorry to hear the news... It was truly my pleasure to have known Audrey. I will always remember the twinkle of life and adventure in her eyes. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. If there is ever anything you need, anytime, please let us know.
Mark, Elke, Sarah, and Zoe
Alice Bakke
July 13, 2011
Dear Mark,
Your family grieves with you
and for you.
She was an amazing and accomplished woman...your loving partner.
We are so sorry...and we keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you go thru these difficult days.
With love, your cousin Alice
How you can show support
July 13, 2011
Hi Mark, you don't know me - Audrey was my first cousin - she sang at my wedding many years ago. We have seen one another infrequently these past fifty years but she was always a bright light - her presence enlivened a conversation - her enthusiasm for life was evident in all she did. And, she always let us know that being with you enhanced her life in myriad ways. You will be in my thoughts in the days ahead. Vivian Otteman
Amy Symstad
July 11, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to Mark and the rest of Audrey's family at this time. I always enjoyed her contributions and conversations at the Black Hills Area Botanist and Ecologist workshop, and she will be sorely missed from this and her other activites. She is gone too soon!
Patrice and Edward Lynch
July 11, 2011
Audrey was a fantastic botanist and mycologist. She has left all of us with a fond love of nature and has given us a deeply lasting love for fungi. Our condolences to Mark and her children. Her passing has left a big hole in the botanical community. May god bless her and keep her.
Lorraine Talks
July 9, 2011
May the memories and stories bring you comfort during this time, Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Micheline Nelson
July 8, 2011
Thinking of you as you face such hardship! May the good times, memories of your hikes and research sustain you to go from one day to the other. Our sincere condolences. Fred and Micheline Nelson
Elizabeth Krueger
July 8, 2011
We had so much fun working on our mycorrhizae & flying squirrel project, and I always enjoyed our conversations. I am so deeply sorry about this untimely loss.
David and Christine Cremean
July 7, 2011
Our condolences to Mark and the rest of Audrey's family.
We are proud to say that we knew her, and happy that we can say she was fine, fine human being.
July 7, 2011
I always enjoyed talking with Audrey, and really admired the passion and knowledge she had for her fungi, especially those of the Black Hills. She was a first rate mycologist, biologist and conservationist, and we'll all miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mark.
Nadine and Joe Thomasson
July 7, 2011
Audrey was a special & wonderful person! So sorry for your loss, Mark.
John & Janet Ladson
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