John Howard Gabler, Sr.

John H. Gabler, Sr., age 72 of Chesterfield Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.  He was born August 20, 1948 in Royal Oak, Michigan, son of Wallace and Carolyn Mae (Hagelstein) Gabler,  brother of Wallace Gabler, Jr. and Carolyn E. Gabler.

Born and raised in Royal Oak, John graduated from Kimball High School in 1966.  His elite performance in football earned him the All-American Award.  Heavily recruited for collegiate commitment, John choose the University of Michigan where he played wingback for the Wolverines.   His memorable performance was critical in the 1969 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes to clinch the BIG Ten Championship.  He also played in the famous 1970 Rose Bowl.  He graduated from the University of Michigan with his Bachelor of Arts and teaching certification. John wed Sally Lynn (Bell) Gabler in 1967, whom he met in high school and they were  married for 15 years.  He was the proud father of John H. Gabler, Jr. (1969) and Sarah Lynn (Gabler) Kolar whom he consistently encouraged throughout their lives.From a young age, John loved Corvettes and Cadillacs and was about to write a book called “19 Cadillacs” ... his autobiography.  He always had great pride in a spotless vehicle.    He loved the fast life and his spontaneous over-the-top yet pristinely calculated lifestyle made his company feel like an extreme thrill. Big John encapsulated the meaning of a good time!  He knew the best dive bars but yet loved fine food and wine. His range of friends was a spectrum of all kinds.  He secretly gave to others.  He openly gave his opinions.  He had an ability to make you feel incredibly special in his company.  His story telling had you leaning in for more and he loved a good joke.  Often serious in conversation, meant everyone listened when he spoke to them.  His laugh was the epitome of happiness.In the 1980’s, John met his soulmate, Patty Adams, with whom he built his life with in St. Clair and later Chesterfield Township.  He loved freighters and was mesmerized by their gigantic presence on the St. Clair River.  He was routinely spotted with Molly, his beloved black Labrador, on a tiny rowboat along side the mammoth freighters embracing their ferocity.  He adored Harsen’s Island.John and Patty traveled extensively including cruises whenever possible.  They recently became “snowbirds” wintering in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  They had many common interests including the thrill of casinos and horse races, particularly the Kentucky Derby, Vegas and Nassau-Atlantis.  John would regularly spoil Patty and their timeless love is truly one in a million.John loved a day “without a cloud in the sky” best.  A long walk on the beach including an oceanfront or intracoastal view to watch the boats were a part of his appeal to Florida.  The only thing that could make any day better was a visit with his grandchildren.  He was very proud of them and always enjoyed seeing his legacies... John H. Gabler III, Madison Gabler and twins Michael Allen (Mak) and Maggie Kolar. A long time manufacturer representative,  John was the “Greatest Sales Man (and Entertainer) of All”.  He could sell “ice cubes to Eskimos” and truly made you believe that whatever you experienced with him was “The BEST.”  And, frankly, he was right because no matter what you were doing... if an invite came from Big John... you would drop everything to be in his company.John later turned his passion for sports into ticket brokering and was proudly the largest private University of Michigan football ticket holder.  He was extraordinarily brilliant and an avid reader.  If you had a question, call Johnny...., as did many friends and family on a regular basis for guidance and support. John Gabler, Sr. led a life of precision.  He was calculated even in his naps.  You knew exactly where and when to find him like clockwork.  His meticulous control of life maintained until his last move.  He did life on his terms.  His determination, discipline, tenacity and focus were some of his strongest character traits but those who knew him best know that he loved intensely and told you so constantly.  He will missed without end because no one can ever fill his shoes. 

Visitation for John will be held on Friday from 1-5pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, MI 48093. A Funeral Service will be Saturday at 11am at the funeral home.

Please share memories of John at his guest book below.