"I'm saddened to hear of Robert's passing. I met him years ago when I was about 25 years old. I'm 42 years old now. I met him at gas station while my dad and I were hauling
back a 1949 Pontiac Sedan Delivery I had purchased. We talked for a while and he told my Dad and I that the greatest thing a person could do in life is to be kind to one another. To always treat someone how you yourself wish to be treated, and love and take care of your family always. My family and I wish all the comfort and prayers to all of you.
"
In loving memory of
Robert L. Gabeline
February 22, 1930 - September 3, 2016
Robert L. Gabeline, 86, of Yarmouth died September 3rd at Great River Klein Center in West Burlington. He was born February 22, 1930 in Burlington to Dale Dewey and Edna Weinrich Gabeline. He was a 1948 graduate of Yarmouth High School and was a member of Yarmouth Methodist Church. Following high school, he was drafted into the army, serving in the 1st Infantry Division during the Korean War in the "Bloody 1 Unit". On December 15, 1951, he married Donna Lee Dodds at the Yarmouth Methodist Church. She died February 14, 2010.
Bob was a "man's man". He was raised on a farm close to Yarmouth in Des Moines County, and was a stellar example of what hard work and perseverance could accomplish. It was nothing to drive by his office at midnight and see him at his desk, talking to his farmhands or truck drivers, still hard at it. Bob farmed thousands of acres stretching from Oakville to Batavia, and south to Farmington. He owned a fleet of Mack semis, owned elevators in Yarmouth, Mt. Pleasant, Salem, Hillsboro and Clear Lake. He owned a Versatile tractor and GMC truck dealership in Winfield, and built his own fertilizer plant in Yarmouth. Bob was best known for the custom hot rods he and Leonard Boecker worked side by side to build. Bob once hosted the Good Guys Hot Rod Tour at his house and put his cars and trucks out for everyone to see. His wisdom and generosity touched the lives of hundreds of people.
He was a member of the Corn Growers Association, Soybean Association, Cattleman's Association, "Good Guys" and Farm Bureau.
He ran the Great American Race across the US many times along with his best friend Larry Siegworth. He enjoyed car shows, gardening, landscaping and trees, family dinners and especially loved Christmas.
Survivors include sons Mike Gabeline, Dan (Amy) Gabeline, both of Yarmouth, and David (Diane) Gabeline of Danville; one daughter, Teri (Jeff) Wilkerson of Morning Sun; eleven grandchildren and many great grandchildren; and one sister, JoAnn (John) Waters of Bakersfield, California; and nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Donna Lee, he was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Kathryn Hundt, Evelan Jarvis and Roberta Bliesener, and his special friend Pat Parsons.
The funeral service for Robert Gabeline will be Thursday, September 8 at 10:00 AM at the Yarmouth Methodist Church with Reverend Brian Swafford officiating. Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday at Elliott Chapel, New London with the family receiving friends from 4 to 8 PM. Burial with military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard will be at Trinity Cemetery, Mt. Union. Immediately following the burial, the family will host a Celebration of Life reception at the Robert Gabeline Trucking Shop. A memorial has been established for the Cascade Falls Community at Klein Center, West Burlington.
Tributes
"My Deepest sympathies go out to the Gabeline family. I enjoyed talking with Bob at car shows or when he would stop by the jewelry store where the conversation always seemed to to turn towards cars at some point. Or the Christmas eve where he would stop in and the next thing you know we're all having a cold one and talking cars again! We'll miss you Bob! "
"Sorry about your loss. Prayers for your family. "
"To the Gabeline families, Mike, Dino, Dan and Terri, just a note my condolences on the recent death of the patriarch of this family. I have so many fond memories of growing up in small town Iowa, many with Bob and Donna Gabeline. RIP Bob, now dad has someone to smoke a stogie with."
"That ornery grin, the lil cigars, him trying to pass me when I was on the Harley, and that laugh, grin and infectious smile effecting all around. RIP and don't worry, the boys will learn where all the log chains are"
"I always know a Gabeline Truck when it's coming down the road. Robert had some very nice cars! What a great loss to the community and loss of a great boss for his employees. Robert will be missed by many."
"I always know a Gabeline Truck when it's coming down the road. Robert had some very nice cars! What a great loss to the community and loss of a great boss for his employees. Robert will be missed by many."