Name: Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home
Address: Fort Wayne, IN

We will miss Roger! He has been our pastor, friend, mentor, encourager and comforter in the many years we have known him.  We shared many experiences and activities together, including worship, meetings, counseling, parties, meals, tennis, softball, retreats and small groups. We have laughed together, cried together and prayed together. We've watched our children grow up and have children of their own. We have talked of the wonder of the life to come and what that might look like. We have learned together that God is there in the good and bad times and that His love is forever. Those of us still here can only imagine what must be going on for Roger now in deep Heaven where he is surrounded by love! Goodbye for now, dear friend. We will see you again someday!  love, Candy and Ron

You tenderly touched the lives of all who ever knew you and I will always miss the many things unique to you and loved by so many.  I loved the way you challenged me on theological issues ~ sometimes playing the devil's advocate.  I'll miss your witty sense of humor as well as your seriousness. There are so many personal traits that drew me to love you as a brother. Your love for God and family centered and ruled your life.  Farewell for now.

This world is truly a better place because of my very beloved friend Roger Van Abels.  Most people that were privileged to know this fine and highly principled man considered him an endearing presence.  Roger became my best friend over time, 16 years of time.  We met when he became my pastor, because my children knew Travis and wanted to attend "Travis's church".  He lived only two doors down the street but we had never met.  Soon we found that we had so much in common, born the same month and year, married for the period of time, similar ages of our children, similar religious beliefs, and similarly questioning political thoughts.  We talked all the time, we rode bicycles during many mini vacations together in Chicago, and other venues. He was my confidant and we discussed thousands of things. We did not always agree but I always respected his perspective.  I loved this man and miss him immensely.  Go with God my friend.

The news of Roger's passing was terribly sad and our hearts hurt for his family for their loss. We have so many thoughts and memories of his friendship and the good times we had playing golf and sharing meals together with his family and friends. Roger was always the life of the party and had a way of creating a good time for everyone. The good thoughts and memories of Roger seem to bring an inner smile and a longing for that day when we will reconnect with our friendship and have many more good times together.

To Roger, my husband, my beloved, 

Thank you for making me the happiest wife imaginable. You made me feel cherished and you called me your girlfriend. You gave me so much love and joy. We knew all those years that we had something special. 

Thank you for all the walks and how we always held hands, the picnics, all the bike rides and many bike trips. You were always planning something fun for us or the family and would ask, "What fun thing can we do today?" You enjoyed learning something new and made our lives so interesting. You laughed so easily, were witty, funny and filled our home with laughter. 

Thank you for being such an amazing father! You taught the children godly values and the value of hard work. You said, "If you find what you love to do, you will never have to work a day in your life". You taught our children the balance between work and enjoying life, having fun, loving God, loving friends and life. 

How you loved the ministry! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ministry and joyfully sharing it with me. Those 42 years were so meaningful. But, as much as you loved the ministry, you never put your work before your family. 

Friends were very important to you and you valued time with them. You loved to talk about God, but you joked and had a great time with them as well. You were so much fun to be around! 

 I loved hearing you working in your workshop, your newfound hobby after retirement. It felt so good to have you close by, working in the garage, on some beautiful jewelry box you would give one of our daughters or granddaughters. Or you would build some awesome toy with one of your grandsons. 

Our little grandchildren loved you so dearly! Thank you for being such a good grandpa. You were the fun grandfather who went to their ballgames, took our grandsons golfing, and taught them how to play baseball. Our little 3 year old said, "I miss Grandpa. Who is going to play the Night Monster now?" 

Thank you for being willing to take my 103 year old mother into our home and help care for her. Thank you for making her life fun and making her laugh. She loved you so much. Thank you for doing her funeral and the beautiful tribute you gave her. 

Your life was such a beautiful example to me of a person who loved deeply.You truly loved God first and tried to honor Him in all you did. You loved me with such a pure and faithful love. You loved your family, church members, friends and neighbors. 

I think of you every minute and miss you immeasurably. My life seems so empty without you. I ask myself many times a day, "How can I live without Roger?" We were truly one and were together almost all the time, did everything together. My world has lost its color. We were healthy and had the rest of our lives planned out. We were going to travel, volunteer for worthy causes, spend time at our grandkids' events, watch them grow up being a part of their lives, and grow old together. You always said we could get through anything together. We thought we would have another 20-25 years of life. 

 But now, I am suddenly left without you. How I long to see you and be with the one I love with all my heart. Thank you for all those precious memories I hold so close. Of all who knew you, I was the most blessed because I was able to be with you the most. I will love, cherish and honor you to the day I die. 


Your girlfriend forever, 
Donna

Daddy, as much as you "loved life," you never lived for earthly rewards because you understood this was simply our temporary home. You lived your life with an unshakable assurance of what comes next. May you experience the unimaginable joy of being with our Heavenly Father, as you so much looked forward to doing.  Thank you for dedicating your life to teaching not only your family, but hundreds of others the grace and peace that comes with knowing our Lord and Savior.  I miss you terribly already.

Thank you Dad,

For taking us on camping trips, and showing us how to pick out a good walking stick. For being so easy to laugh, and filling our house with its echo, for so many years. For teaching us how to play rummy, and every once in a while, letting us win.

Thank you for kissing mom every day, and yelling emergency, emergency! when you needed an immediate hug. For your strong arms, that cherished hard work, planting gardens, and playing basketball with your kids. For your adventurous spirit. Your tenacity. Your wisdom. Your tenderness. For all the late nights you stayed up with me making popcorn, and sneaking ice cream from the outside fridge.

Thank you for telling me A poor man's cloud is just as beautiful as rich man's cloud, and giving me my first beer after a long day of work in the yard. For you diamond-blue eyes, that so lovingly watched us, and your gentle smile, when we looked back at you. For showing us that it was okay to cry, and reminding us to never let the sun go down on our anger.

Thank you, Pops, for being my favorite storyteller, and painting worlds with your words. For using those words to lead, to heal, to inspire laughter and understanding. For being a courageous example of what faith can do, and showing us what a good man looked like. For spreading your light so far and wide.

Dad, I wish so badly you could hug me now. I'd give anything to hear your voice, see your wink, smell you baking bread when I walk through the front door. I wish you could hold mom, when she gets the flu, and whisper this too shall pass.' But you always did. And you always will.

I'll do my best to honor your legacy by letting you live through me.

I love you so very much, Dad. And promise to make you proud.

Your son forever,
Travis

My brother and my friend.  What wonderful and fond memories of the times we spent together in fellowship, fun and food.  Our time in your home, fellowshipping with our sisters and brothers in Ft. Wayne will also be some of my fondest memories of you.  I loved sharing stories of our lives in and out of the Church.  Look forward to the time when we can and will do that for eternity.  To God be the glory.  Love and prayers to the family who are left to journey on without that giant of a man.

My loving dad passed away yesterday in the most peaceful way any of us could choose...after the words "amen" and while being embrased by his family. Thank you for your prayers. God answered every prayer, even though some of the answers weren't what he/we wanted. There is no doubt that Dad is with Jesus. He knew that more than believing in God, he and his children have chosen to receive God's gift of a relationship with Him in this life and heaven in the next. That was what he wanted the most! We love you dearly and miss you precious dad. Thank your for your love and dedication to us and so many others. We promise to keep your legacy alive while loving life and people deeply, just as you did.

We are so sorry that our dearly loved friend and neighbor has passed away.  We offer our deepest sympathy, prayers, and love to Donna and their children and grandchildren.  We love the Abel family and will always treasure our wonderful memories of Roger and the love he showed Donna and everyone who knew him.

Love, Chad and Tara Sprunger

Our deepest sympathies to Donna and the entire Abels family. Roger's absence will be felt long by many.

I am very blessed to have had Roger as my pastor when I was a child, my friend as an adult, and as a fellow elder in the body of Christ. He taught me so much about being gentle and really loving others, but also to be passionately unafraid.

Roger taught by example of a God who is patient and loving, who genuinely and actively cares about all people, and who wants us to live fully and truly enjoy life. This is how Roger lived.

He will be missed much and often. But I am comforted to know we will see each other again, and we will laugh and play together again.

We offer up prayers for Donna and the rest of the family who will feel this loss daily and so directly. May God grant you a special grace and comfort in this time of deepest loss.

It is with a very heavy heart we offer condolences regarding Roger and want to express our love and concern for you, Donna and the family.
Roger was assigned associate pastor to our Philadelphia congregation in 1972. We got to know one another after a day at the Kutztown fair. 
Our church had a mens softball team, Roger played third base; I was at shortstop. We got to know each other quite well. I soon learned he was a better ball player than me. Many evenings after the games we would play cards, concentrating more on stories, laughter and your dog, Bridgett than we did on cards. His laugh was infectious and would fill the rooms. You both were such a joy to be around and a good example of what God intends marriage to be.
Roger was transferred June 1975 but the relationship we formed in those few years has lasted over 40 years. In later years we were blessed to spend time together in Galena IL and in the Poconos. Roger enjoyed Biblical discussions that would go well into the night. There are so many stories to share about Roger we wouldn't know where to start or stop. He was a good friend and is greatly missed. He was a caring, compassionate, patient, loving mentor and friend.
Anyone that came to know Roger felt his deep friendship but his best friend was his wife, Donna. The most important relationships in his life were God, Donna, and their family. 
Many friends have come into our life and knew of Roger before the accident because I shared his viewpoints. They respected his love for God and His word. They prayed for him after the accident and continue in prayer for your family. We take comfort in knowing as Paul states in 2 Cor 5:8 "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord".
We love you, Donna and family and will continue to pray for you.
George & Terry Van Lieu

It is with my deepest and sincere sympathy that we extend our heartfelt love to the Abels Family during this most difficult time in life. As Rogers Abels baptized me and was our minister for many years, in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time and in our heart. As Roger Abels is forever painted on my canvas of life with a wonderful memory and many memories as well as his family. Sometimes I often wondered if he remembered me and how he made a difference in my life. Sometimes I often wondered if he remembered visiting our farm in Ohio as well. Just like a canvas painting Roger painted memories wonderful memories in our life that we will remember always as well as his family. God bless you all!! Thank-you our love to you now.

Offering my sincere condolences to the family, during this time, may you find comfort from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14

I have such wonderful memories of the Abels family. I always think of them as warm, fun-loving, kind, good people. I am so so sorry for your loss. I wish you comfort and strength during this very difficult time.

Dear Donna and Family, Please be comforted by the many hundreds of people who are holding you up in prayer at this difficult time, and most of all because Jesus Himself is praying for you as our Great High Priest and Intercessor.  Our hearts are grieved, but many wonderful memories of Roger also fill our minds as we think about shared time together.  Roger was a close friend and confidant, and someone who was always a great encouragement.  We will greatly miss him, but know we will be reunited on that great and glorious day. Our thoughts and prayers are continually with you.  With our love, Ray and Carol Meyer

Thursday afternoon my wife called me from work and told me that Roger Abels had past away. I asked her if she was sure?  She was. I immediately choked up and tears filled my eyes. It is now noon on Friday
here in Papillion where I still live. That means that Roger's funeral is starting.  I said a prayer and now I will talk about Roger. 
     Roger and I spent a lot of time together as friends and teammates in baseball and basketball.  We especially were together during the summers because of Legion baseball.  Roger was an extremely talented baseball player and in my opinion could have played professionally if he would have chosen to go in that direction. He had great work ethics and his desire to learn was 2nd to none. During our Junior year Roger never seemed to have any time for just hanging out.  It was during this year that he became really interested in what Billy Graham had to say and reading the bible. Because Roger was a very good student, listening to Billy Graham, and reading the bible, we didn't get to spend much time together except on the baseball field.
During High School Roger served as class president, he was voted most representative boy in Senior High, Honor Society, Student body president, Spanish Club, Student Council, Red Cross, play-reading cast member,  Lettermen's Club,  and he received honors for being the best supporting actor of the all school play
"ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN".  He appropriately played the Rev. William H. Spence. 
    Roger was one of 5 to be an honor student which requires you to be in the top 5% of the class. We had 106 graduates.
Roger also gave our graduation speech.
Does Roger seem like an honorable kid?
The last time I saw Roger and Donna was at our 40th class reunion in 2007.  Roger opened the reunion with a prayer. Seems like yesterday! We had a 2 day reunion and it was great!  I also saw Roger at his father's and his mother's funeral. 
It looks to me like Roger's life's work was like the man himself. Very, very, honorable.  He worked hard, helped others when in need, preached the word of GOD as
he prepared himself to do, and now Roger
Abels has more than "ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN".

       Your friend and teammate forever,

       Steve Szynskie

DEAR DONNA AND FAMILY, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST OF ROGER. I WENT TO THE PHILA CHURCH, IT WAS HE AND MR. OAKLEY WHO WERE MY FIRST CONTACT. ROGER WAS NEW AND  OUT OF AC AND NOT TOO LONG AFTER THAT YOU GUYS MOVED. IT WAS A JOY TO KNOW YOU BOTH. GOD BLESS YOU AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

In loving memory and gratitude for his friendship.

You can't think of the Abel's without smiling.  The laughter, antics, good times and bonding that we had because of his leadership, friendship and character that left a lasting impression on so many of us.  The whole family ministered to us from Courtney to Travis to Jessica to Donna.  Those were very good times, even with the hardships going on, the Abels were a haven.

We're so sorry for his passing, please know you all will remain in our prayers and how loved you are.

OMG!  I am in shock!  Roger & I were classmates in High School & teammates on a fantastic baseball team.  We were fishing buddies.  I met him years later when he was a minister for the Worldwide Church of God.  I have very fond memories of him.  But, I know that he's in heaven with his Father .  God has blessed you Roger & I hope He blesses your family as well.

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My family went to church with Roger and Donna many years ago when they were newlyweds in the Philadelphia,Pa church area. My prayers and thoughts for you Donna and family. Mr Abels  will be surely missed by everyone who knew him!

I was out gardening today & thought of Roger.  He frequently talked about his love for gardening.  Now, when I garden I think about the sermon he gave about how our spiritual life needs a strong foundation in Christ, just like our plants & flowers need that strong root system.  He served God faithfully through his sermons & teachings.

Dearest Donna (and Family), wiping away tears after hearing about Roger's passing - I guess we think we will live forever, but.... not so.  Thanks for sharing that wonderful slide show of the years of memories with you and Roger and your family.  Particularly liked the old AC photos (has it really been over 40 years since we were all at AC??), Am trying to find words to describe Roger and there are so many that come to mind, none of which do him justice - he was just a 'good guy' - to put it plain and simple, which is what Roger was down deep!!  So many GREAT memories of our times at AC for those years, and then as we'd meet periodically at refreshers - paths cross and then we move our separate ways, but our memories are never gone!!  I know it is a difficult time for you and yours, but we know he was a godly man who lived his life according to God's will and now his work on earth is done and he has been called home to begin a new life with his Savior, elder brother and Friend - one day we will all meet and be happy with our friends and loved ones again.  Know that Roger impacted everyone he met and he will be deeply missed.  Love to the Abels family, Charlotte Whitting

My thoughts and prayers to you Donna, and the family. Roger left quite a legacy - I've had the opportunity to pastor those he previously pastored and all have fond things to share about Roger. May God give you comfort and peace as you celebrate his life and his homecoming to our Papa/Father.

He was a good classmate, always ready to pitch in and do what needed to be done. A service-minded, down-to-earth guy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I'm sure that Roger made a lasting impression on everyone he met. People will always have fond memories of him and his smile. This world needs more Godly men like Roger. May you find comfort knowing that he was loved by so many.

Mrs. Abels and family, So sad for your loss, please find some comfort knowing you will all be together one day in paradise. It was 25 years ago this June 2nd that Mr. Abels stood before God with us and united us in marriage. He was a good man. God Bless. Charlie and Jeanie Bennett

See ya' later Pastor Roger Abels in heaven. I so enjoyed your sermons and your quick wit and wonderful humor. You will be missed.

Donna and family, I am so so very sorry to hear of this loss. Roger was one of the best and nicest guys I ever met at Ambassador. He always treated me very nicely and positively. You two have always been one of my fave married couples from AC. I was so glad back then to hear that he was assigned to my old home area, Hammond. The members there told me lots of good things about you two when we moved to Hammond in 1993. Believe me, we Calumet Region folks are hard ones to please!  Please know that we will be praying for your comfort and may the wings of God's mercy and strength be over you.  Love, Keith and Ginny Speaks

Donna:  Gone but not forgotten...he will ever be in my memory, as well as you and your family.   May God comfort all of you in this time of great loss.
   Amber Murphy
    Jeffersonville, In.

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Roger. He was a wonderful man. I worked with him a few times when he invited me to preach at his church. My dad often spoke of the anointed messages he shared from the pulpit. He will be greatly missed. Prayers go out to you, Donna and the rest of your family.

My sincere and deepest condolences to the Abels family. I am so sorry for your heartbreak. I know that there are no words that I can offer to take away your pain. If there were, I would shower you with plenty. Your family is and always has been very special to my daughter, Katie. May you all find peace and comfort knowing that Mr. Abels is resting in the arms of our Lord. You will all be with him again one day when you enter the gates of Heaven. Cling to one another and share your wonderful memories as well as your grief. I pray that God's grace and mercy will cover and surround each one of you. 
Sincerely,
Laura Morin (Katie Yoder's mom)

Our memories of Roger are of a great long time friend and minister who's spirit was gentle and loving mixed with a great sense of humor.  There were such fun times at our volleyball picnics in Kankakee, Illinois, and our get togethers with friends after church in the Chicago area, where we laughed till we hurt. He will be missed.  Our prayers go out with our whole heart to Donna and his family. Love, Lee and Jan

Our prayers are with your family, our memories of Roger are of the love he showed people as a minister and friend.  
Joe & Jan Becker. Lansing Illinois

My families memories of your Dad and Mom while they pastored the Hammond Congregation are very fond. The Sunday spring, summer and fall, picnics we had in Cobb Park, Kankakee, centered around volleyball as a sport, but the best fellowship I can remember as people of God enjoying each other.
"He won't have to cross Jordan alone"

So sorry for your loss.  We will praying for your family during this difficult time.

Sorry for your loss.  Our family thinking of yours.

We are very saddened to hear of Mr. Abel's passing.  We have many fond memories and know he will be missed.

My deepest sympathies for the Ables family. Enjoyed the time I had to interact with him during my teenage years.

OBITUARIO

Roger Van Abels

6 junio, 1949 – 16 mayo, 2016

Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home

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