Wendell Wayne Gabel was born August 23, 1935 in Plymouth County, Iowa to Raymond and Minnie (Wilkin) Gabel. He died February 11, 2025 in Alcester, South Dakota at the age of 89 years.

Wendell was raised on a farm with his two brothers and sister. He attended Brilliant Hill Country School and Alcester High School. He farmed his entire life on his place northwest of Alcester. He was married to Marcene Pilska on July 7, 1956 and together they raised their four daughters. He was so proud of his four daughters!

He farmed his entire life northwest of Alcester. When he wasn't busy with the dairy cows and crops, Wendell liked to restore antique tractors, ride his motorcycle and participate in tractor pulls. He also played a mean game of tetherball!

After Marcene's death in 2017, Wendell moved into Alcester for several years before moving to a retirement village in Canton, SD.

He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Gabel of Alcester, SD, Sherea Risk of Greeley, CO, Sheryl (Brad) Myers of Wentworth, SD and Cindy Gabel (Mark Snoozy) of Billings, MT; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lavern Gabel of Nashua, NH and Melvin Gabel of Beresford, SD and one sister, Elaine Hill and her friend John of Canton, SD. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marcene.

Funeral services will be 2PM Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Beresford Zion United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7PM Friday, Feb. 14th at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford with a 7PM prayer service.