Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Abel Obituary
Richard (Dick) Abel
Richard (Dick) Abel, 90, of Galesville, WI passed away at his Decorah Prairie home on January 2, 2024 surrounded by dear friends and family. He was born June 10, 1933 to Joseph and Christine (Lau) Abel.
Dick attended grade school in La Crosse until his parents purchased the Lester Emerson farm in Hardies Creek in 1945. He graduated from Galesville High School in 1951 and attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse before serving in the Army, 6-months active duty and 7-years in the reserves.
He married Mary (Harbaugh) Abel-Lavely in 1977 and together they raised one son. They divorced 11-years later.
He retired to his farm on Decorah Prairie where he built a hangar and bought a plane.
With his brother-in-law, they formed Hilton-Abel Excavating. Later he developed and managed Central Blacktop.
Throughout his life Dick was an avid photographer and reprinted many photos for others. He was neighborly, caring, and helpful. Dick was quite social and a whole lot of fun to visit with as he was clever and witty with a whimsical personality and an endless passion for learning new things. He was always up to something and had several creative projects including a snow plane and putting an airplane engine on a boat. One of his more recent projects was welding one bike frame on top of another which made the seat twice as high. He found great entertainment in bringing it to his extended family to watch them try to ride it! He never missed Thanksgiving or Easter at his sister's and this past year declared it was his 73rd Thanksgiving with her! He was a board member of several organizations including the Town of Gale.
He leaves behind a son, Cal Abel (m. Bree Pattillo); two grandchildren, Copeland and Zadie; his sister, Mary Jane Hilton; his brother, Robert Abel; and several nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Dick was close to all of us and his big personality and zest for life will be missed by all who knew him. A service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hardies Creek Lutheran Church. Burial will be after the service (weather permitting) with refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hardies Creek Lutheran Church.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Abel
How you can show support
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Richard Abel's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Abel
People and places connected with Richard
La Crosse, WI
La Crosse Tribune
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Abel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
