Mary Ann Gabel

Mary Ann (Pretz) Gabel was born on March 16, 1933 in Kansas City, Kansas, to Frank and Lottie (Neumer) Pretz. She attended elementary and high school in the Turner School District.

She was united in marriage to John Patrick Gabel on July 28, 1951. They became the parents of two daughters and two sons.

Mary, was preceded in death by her parents, Frank T. and Lottie F. Pretz, her brothers, Robert and George Pretz, her sister, Helen (Pretz) Caldwell and her husband John P. Gabel.

Mary is survived by her four children; Patricia Whyle (Rick), Rosemary Danielson (Brad), Charles Gabel (Elizabeth) and Raymond Gabel (Susan). In addition to her four children, Mary is also survived by her long-time companion and friend, Bill Lodge, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mary was a strong loving mother, who raised her four children as a single mother after the death of her husband, John P. Gabel, in September 1968.

She did volunteer work as a teacher’s aide at Pawnee Elementary School and helped teach catechism to grade school children as a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Overland Park, KS She was a long-time member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and volunteered to serve veterans at the veteran’s care facility in Leavenworth, KS. Mary was honored by the DAV for providing over 1,000 hours of volunteer hours with the DAV for her dedicated services.

In July 1999, Mary retired from Wal-Mart Retail Stores after 15 years of working in the fabric department of the Olathe and Overland Park, KS. Mary enjoyed helping people pick out patterns and fabric, often providing tips on the proper weight of fabric to select for the customer’s sewing projects.

She will be dearly missed by all that were blessed with the opportunity to have her love and grace be a part of their lives.

In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family request honoring her memory with a donation to any of the following organizations: Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (catholiccharitiesks.org/donate), Great Plains SPCA (GreatPlainsSPCA.org/donate) or Team MO-KAN at 626 NE Clubhouse Drive, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS, on June 20, 2023, with visitation at the church from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM and burial at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery. There will be a Funeral Lunch held at St. Patrick’s following the burial.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Gabel family.