After a lifetime of hard work, humor, and love, Russ begrudgingly succumbed to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Despite having been shot in the neck in his teens, being comatose after a motorcycle crash in his 20s, military service, a heart attack, bypass surgery, cancer and countless other ailments, Russ lived to be 72 years old—beating the over/under considerably and squeezing all he could out of his fun-filled life.
Russ, a serial entrepreneur and natural prankster, was a pillar of the Fremont community. His most notable business ventures include operating Turk’s Dairy Bar and establishing the Depot Tavern, Bank Bar, and numerous real estate companies, all of which he operated with his life and business partner of 42 years, Cindy Gabel—the better half of the “spouses selling houses” duo and the love of his life. Russ’s involvement in the community ran deep: he operated dozens of rentals; refurbished homes with friends and colleagues, including one in which the proceeds were given to the Easter Seals charity; coached youth sports; was President of the Fremont Board of Realtors; volunteered frequently at St. Joe Central Catholic schools; and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks, SJCC Boosters, Firelands Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors. He will fondly be remembered as Fremont’s own “Mr. Legs,” an honor bestowed after raising substantial money for medical charities, and the founder of both the 241 Club and the Fremont Association of Racing Turtles (F.A.R.T.).
Russ will dearly miss spending time with his friends and confidants, especially his close pals from the SJCC class of ‘64. They will surely miss his befuddling humor and unexpected gag gifts. Russ loved traveling with his group of friends and his family members, and especially enjoyed his frequent trips to Vegas with Cindy. These trips with family and friends will never be the same without him along to cause a ruckus.
Russ undoubtedly left this world a better place, which is no more evident than in the exuberance of his seven grandchildren—Lucy, Alice, Afton, Emma, Will, Etta, and Jo Jo.
In addition to his grandchildren, Russ is survived by his wife and hero Cindy, his three children and their spouses—Louie (Gina) Gabel, Jenny (Sean) Rogers, and Matt (Ashley) Gabel—for whom he selflessly sacrificed much even when he had little, his loving sister, Liz (Jim) Euranius, mother-in-law Jean Wasserman, and many other friends, relatives, and in-laws who filled his life with love. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Jeanette Gabel, and his close friend Norman “Biz” Paeth. They are undoubtedly enjoying a good card game together in heaven.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 21, from 2-8 p.m. with a time set aside for memory sharing, beginning at 7:00P.M. at Keller- Koch -Chudzinski Funeral Home, 416 S. Arch Street, Fremont, OH. A Memorial Mass on Monday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan Street, Fremont, OH. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider St. Joseph Central Catholic and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. To honor Russ, please share your most memorable stories of his life amongst friends, and do it often. Online condolences may be expressed at www.kkchud.com
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