GERALD ABBE

GERALD ABBE FAIRVIEW - Passed away peacefully on December 17, 2023, with his loved ones by his side at the age of 92. He was born in Rust Township, Michigan on September 14, 1931, the son of Claude and Lillian (Cohoon) Abbe. Gerald was an Army Veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War. He was extremely proud of his service and participated in numerous events celebrating veterans and veteran holidays. After his service in the military, he and his wife Sally moved to the Detroit area where he started working as a plumber. He eventually achieved Master plumber status and was a member of Plumbers Local 98 for over 60 years. From 1974 to 1985 he owned and operated his own business, Abbe's Plumbing & Heating in Mio, Michigan. After his plumbing career he was the plumbing inspector for Oscoda County for 19 years, working up until he was 86 years old. Gerald was a generous man, he spent a lot of his free time volunteering and helping those that were less fortunate than him. He was a member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles, The Moose Club, The Lions Club, The American Legion and VFW to name a few. He and his wife loved to dance, and they could really "cut a rug". Some of Gerald's other hobbies included hunting, fishing and watching sports, the Detroit Tigers in particular. He is survived by his wife, Sally Annabelle Abbe; 4 children, Steven Claude (Wendy) Abbe, Scott Marsh (Deborah) Abbe, Gerri Elizabeth (Jody) Thomas, Shawn Glen (Jill) Abbe; 17 grandchildren; Steven (Heather), Kenneth (Stephanie), Jamie, Jessica (Ryan), Dee (Dan), Desiree (Josh), Mitch (Beth), Chrissy (Cliff), Michelle (Dean), Brandi (Chuck), Brandon (Amanda), Kerri (AJ), Chelsea (William), Hope (Michael), Faith (Payton), Ashley (Rocky), Matthew (Jorden); siblings, Vernon "Bud" (Bev) Abbe, Deborah Bretall, Joan (Doran) Hildebrand; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and infant son. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, in loving memory of Gerald Claude Abbe. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.