DAVID P. VAN ABEL's Obituary
DAVID PAUL VAN ABEL, 53, of Crystal Falls, MI. died Tuesday, July 20, 2004, as a result of an automobile accident on US 2 in Mackinac County. He was born in Hancock, MI. on a cold winter’s night on February 8, 1951 son of Paul and Aileen (Scott) Van Abel. He attended the L’Anse public schools, graduating in 1969. He was a recipient of the McGlue Post American Legion 144 scholarship. He was also a 1974 graduate of Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. with a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences. He was employed by the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture as a Dairy Products Specialist, covering the Upper Peninsula. David was a member of United Lutheran Church, L’Anse, United Lutheran Church, Crystal Fall, MI., and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, MI. He was also a member of S.C.U.B.A. and P.A.D.I., co-founder and President of Brass Roots Association, served as a lieutenant of the Alpha- Mastodon Volunteer Fire Dept., and Red Cross C.P.R. He was a life member of the NRA, and a member of Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners. He loved the Green Bay Packer games, fishing and tubing.
David’s greatest loves were God, family, friends, home and Country. He had a deep faith and was a committed Christian. David lived that life of faith through all the acts of love he showed to those around him. He was truly a very good man, married for 31 and ½ years to high school sweetheart, the former Kristine Wentela, the Love of her Life! He was “the best” father to his sons Adam and Ryan, a “father figure” to many, and a haven of comfort and support to anyone in need. His broad shoulders were often in use. He was extraordinarily generous with his time and talents, whether it was helping his sons with homework, assisting co-workers with projects, or helping-out a neighbor. His keen intelligence, and unending ability to do anything he set his mind to were awe-inspiring. His smiling eyes belied his Irish sense of humor. His personal work ethic demanded that he always be doing something useful, and usually for someone else. David will be remembered for so many things; from grilling brats or whipping up a gourmet meal to landscaping his garden of roses, lilies, and morning glories to his expertise with computers, which earned him the Michigan Department of Agriculture Award of Excellence. His abilities and activities spanned the length of his 53 years of life, from motorcycling, photography, scuba diving, learning sign language and Spanish, carpentry, and so much more. David was big man; big in spirit and big of heart. He leaves a very, very large impression in this life and in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten!
Mr. Van Abel is survived by his loving wife; Kristine, sons; Adam and Ryan both at home, father; Paul VanAbel and special friend Dorothy Hofbauer, of L’Anse, MI., brother John Van Abel and his significant other Peggy Maatta of Hancock, MI. He was preceded in death by his mother Aileen in 1999 and his sister Colleen Van Abel Vuk in 2000.
No man hath greater love than that he lay down his life for another.
A memorial service for Mr. Van Abel were held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 from United Lutheran Church with Pastor Scott Williams officiating. Interment took place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The family received friends at church on Wednesday morning from 11 a.m. until time of the service. Following the service, friends were invited to join the family for fellowship and luncheon at the church. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Mr. Van Abel’s obituary may also be viewed at and condolences sent to www.rfsc.net.
What’s your fondest memory of DAVID?
What’s a lesson you learned from DAVID?
Share a story where DAVID's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with DAVID you’ll never forget.
How did DAVID make you smile?