Mike Gebelle

HURON – Mike Gebelle of Huron, passed on peacefully Tuesday, June 5, 2018, just shy of his 95th birthday.  Family was by his side.  He was the proud and beloved husband to Mary (Daniel) Gebelle, they where together for 67 years until her passing only months ago in November 2017.  Born July 30, 1923 in Huron, he made it his home all his life.  He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Huron.

   After graduating from Huron High School in 1941, he joined the US Marine Corp from 1943 to 1945 and proudly became a Sergeant.  He attended aviation school and served as an aircraft mechanic for the Corsair Warplane.  A veteran of WWII, he was based on the Isle of Peleviu, in the South Pacific.  Because of his service to our country, he was a member of the Amvet’s Post 17, American Legion 83, and Eagles Lodge Aerie 2875, Huron.

  After returning home, on the shores of Lake Erie, he met the love of his life, Mary, at the beach.  They were married December 2, 1950.  They truly enjoyed life.

   He was employed all of his life by Norfolk and Western Railroad, running the huellet unloaders at the Huron Ore Docks.  During the off season, he worked with Wilkes Plumbing, Huron, and was proud to be a part of the construction of NASA and Glidden.  Having had a long life, he had the opportunity for many hobbies.  Prior to retirement he enjoyed woodworking, photography, and also collecting nautical pieces.  He made some fine furniture and took many beautiful photographs.  In his spare time he took pride in tending to his large vegetable garden, always planting extras for the neighbors, and always trying out another Italian recipe.  He loved westerns and the smile of a Golden Retriever.  Another favorite was traveling with his family, especially those “one-tank-trips,” all along the way, listening to music from the Big Band Era.  Later on in the 1970’s he became an avid bicyclist.  You could find him in any surrounding county looking for a backroad he had yet to ride on.  He was especially proud of riding in a marathon in Nova Scotia.  For twenty-plus years, up until this year, he made it a point to get to the gym daily.  Among other things there, he mastered his spinning class.  He was featured in the papers several times, a legend at that gym, charmingly inspiring and motivating all those he met.  Yet another passion was sports.  You could find him wearing the shirt or hat for Huron High School, OSU Buckeyes, Detroit Tigers, and all the while grumbling about his beloved Browns.  He was inducted into the Huron High School Sports Hall of Fame; he was a part of the school’s first 6 man football team as well as lettering in basketball and track.  A fun-loving gentleman, he was a man who never met a stranger.  He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, giving that little smile with a twinkle in his eye.  If I could sit across the porch from God, I’d thank him for lending him to us.  Be good and don’t give God any trouble.  Now we celebrate you.  

   He leaves behind many loved ones.  He was a cherished and amazing father to his only daughter, Kathleen Mary and only son Dante Michael.  He was a proud PaPa to his only grandchild, Joel Michael Kemp, along with Dr. Grace Kemp.  Also, we include the family of Bob Barnes, he loved them as they were his own.  He is survived by a sister, Carmel (Larry) Hoffman, of Berlin Hts, one brother, Nick Gebelle, of Sandusky; hosts of nieces and nephews along with uncountable friends he has collected along the way.

   He is preceded in death his parents, Nicola and Angelina (Temper) Gebelle; brothers, Anthony, (in infancy), Fred (Lois) Gebelle, Tucson, AZ, William (Caroline) Gebelle, Huron, Tony (Ann) Gebelle, Huron; sisters, Josephine (in infancy), Rose (Ray) Bryant, Huron, Antionette (Ray) King, California, Anne (John) Cooke, Cleveland, and Mary (Jim) Schnaitter, Huron.

   On his behalf, we thank all of his friends and relatives who shared great love throughout his lifetime, which made his life so full, right up to the end.   Mike’s family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Stein Hospice, whose professional care and support helped ease his passing during his final weeks.  Thank you also to all who visited him, said a prayer for him, or spoke a word of encouragement to the family.  Your kindness is truly appreciated.  Despite a long and well-lived stay on earth, we will all miss him dearly.  Thanks for the memories you left behind for us to look back on.  We love you. 

   Although flowers are appreciated, donations may be made honoring his life and love to the charity of your choice, or to Huron Parks Foundation/ Mike Gebelle Memorial Bench Fund, 417 Main St, Huron, 44839.

   Visitation will be Monday, June 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, 410 Main St, Huron.  A mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 12th, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 430 Main St, Huron.

   He will be laid to rest beside his wife in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.

   Your memories and condolences can be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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