Wayne Frank Gabel

Wayne Frank Gabel, 97, Rockford, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was born October 8, 1927, in Rockford, the son to Frank and Irene (Ganther) Gabel. He is a graduate of Harlem High School, class of 1945. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” (Cropp) Gabel, on September 11, 1948, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, to whom he shared 75 years of marriage. He is a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. In 1963 he joined the Knights of Columbus. Wayne enjoyed traveling with Betty, spending time with his family, and genealogy.

From 1945 to 1947 Wayne served in the US Navy as an Aviation Mechanist Mate 3rd class. Stationed in San Diego, CA and Jacksonville, FL.

After the Navy, Wayne worked for 42 years at Ingersoll Milling Machine Company, Rockford, IL.

Survived by his children, Gail (Dennis) Hutchins, Loretta DeGroat, Mary Beth Mengelt, Julia (Michael) Cuccinelli, and Bruce (Brenda) Gabel; daughter-in-law, June Gabel; 21 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Ron (Barbara) Cropp and Charles Johnson; many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his loving wife Betty; his parents; sons Jack, Tom and Mark; daughter, Barbara Ann Horsfall; son-in-law, Kirk Mengelt; daughter-in-law, Linda Gabel; grandson, Daniel DeGroat; sister Donna Taylor; brothers-in-law Vince Cropp, Milton Cropp, Burton Alms, Alvin Alms, and Robert Metters; sisters-in-law, Lois Alms, Evelyn Alms, Juanita Metters, Cathy Johnson, Frannie Cropp and Ann Cropp.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service, 1:00 p.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com