Karin K. Gaebele

Born on May 21, 1939, in Fehmarn, Germany, Karin spent her early years in Oldenburg before immigrating to the United States in 1962 as an au pair for the Anheuser-Busch family in St. Louis, Missouri. Her next position took her to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Palm Beach, Florida, where she worked as a personal assistant for a family who spent their summers in Wyoming and winters in Florida.

In the mid-1960s, Karin moved to Manhattan, New York, where she worked as an assistant to an optometrist. It was there she met her future husband, Rolf Gaebele, whom she married in 1969. Together they built their home and family in Watchung, New Jersey.

Karin and Rolf were accomplished restaurateurs who owned and operated several successful establishments, including The Chanticler Chateau and Rolf’s Restaurant in Warren, New Jersey, and later Taste Restaurant in Hobe Sound, Florida, after moving to Jupiter in 1999.

A vibrant and social person, Karin treasured her many friends from all stages of her life. She was a proud member of the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, the Schwäbische Sänger social clubs, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, and the Enzian Ski Club.

Karin was truly a force of nature—instantly recognizable with her bright blonde hair, German accent, and confident spirit. She had an enduring passion for life, faith, health, family, especially her grandchildren who were her biggest pride and joy, and her German heritage. Her favorite pastimes included biking Jupiter Island, swimming, and walking on the beach. Well into her 80s, she amazed others with her vitality, biking 22 miles and swimming for 45 minutes almost every day.

Karin was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Rolf Gaebele, in 2019.

She is survived by her three sons, Claude (Danielle), Andrew, and Karsten (Tracy); grandchildren, Carly, Jack, Aidan, and Oskar; her brother, Rüdiger and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

No public service is planned at this time. To plant trees in Karin’s memory, please visit the online sympathy store.