Raymond Theodore Abel, 89, died Jan. 18, 2024 in Burlington.
Born Oct. 15, 1934, in rural Mediapolis, he was the son of Jesse and Gertrude Beckman Abel. On Oct. 3, 1959 he married Patricia Cahill at St. Bridget’s, Nolan Settlement.
Dr. Abel graduated from Sperry High School. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 1959. While at ISU he was admitted into Alpha Zeta and Phi Zeta honorary societies.
After graduation he served two years in the Army Veterinary Corps. He practiced veterinary medicine in a mixed animal practice in Mediapolis, Iowa for forty years, retiring in 2000. He had a strong work ethic and took pride in his professional endeavors. He continued to do veterinary relief work after retirement.
Dr. Abel was a life member of the American Veterinary Association, the IVMA, the EIVMA, and the Southeast Iowa Veterinary Association. He donated time to 4-H animal health projects and the Des Moines County Cattlemen’s Association named him associate cattleman of the year for his veterinary service. He served on the Mediapolis City Council. He was a Cub Scout master when his sons were growing up.
He was a member of the Mediapolis Savings Bank Board of Directors for forty years, an avocation which he thoroughly enjoyed. He recently served as a director of the Mediapolis Savings Bank Bancorporation.
Dr. Abel was a life long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dodgeville. He served on the St. Mary’s Cemetery Committee and was a Knights of Columbus member.
He and his wife were avid foreign travelers who enjoyed experiencing the culture and cuisine of different countries throughout the world. He was an outdoorsman, and was an enthusiastic ISU Cyclones and St. Louis Cardinals fan. His family was foremost in his life. He spent his leisure time reading, playing cards, golfing, boating, fishing and enjoying family activities. He spent many hours at the family Mississippi River cabin.
Dr. Abel’s family include his wife, Patricia; three sons, Steven (JoAnn) of St. Charles, Ill., John (Terry) of Barrington, Ill., James (Denise) of Marion; nine grandchildren, Ryan (Tanner) Seal, Megan (Wesley) Distad, Griffin (Mary) Abel, Mallory (Sam) Wildeman, Quinlan Abel, Dylan Abel, Brandon Abel, Connor Abel, and Jack Abel; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Paul, Harold, and Francis; and one sister, Loretta Stevenson.
Visitation for Dr. Abel will be held on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 from 12 to 7 p.m. at Prugh Funeral Service (3940 Division Street, Burlington) with family receiving guests from 4 to 7 p.m with a 6:30 p.m. vigil service. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (13201 Dodgeville Rd, Dodgeville). Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the American Diabetes Association, St Mary’s Catholic Church and Cemetery, and Southeast Iowa Hospice.