Jim Gabelein passes away

Published 8:23 pm Monday, November 24, 2008

Jim Gabelein, a longtime South Whidbey farmer and Navy veteran, died on Nov. 19. He was 63.

Born on March 5, 1945 to Harvey and Esther (Houghtaling) Gabelein at the family farm in Clinton, James Raymond Gabelein was the youngest of three, with two older sisters, Janice and Karen. He graduated from Langley High School in 1964 and joined the Navy.

He made a career of the military, and was reintroduced to Jennie Lambert, a family friend, when he came home once on leave. The couple married in December 1969, and Gabelein returned to Whidbey in 1984 to retire.

He took over the family farm, ran a business called Jim’s Wood Service, and was later groundskeeper for the Bayview Cemetery and an active member of the cemetery board.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jennie Gabelein of Clinton; daughters Annette Monary of Everett and Connie Gabelein of Renton; son-in-law, Andrew Monary of Everett; grandchildren, Angelina and Aric Monary of Everett; mother, Esther Gabelein of Clinton; and sisters, Janice Martin of Coupeville and Karen Lanphere of Sedro Woolley.

A graveside service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Bayview Cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow at the American Legion Post No. 141, 14096 Highway 525, Langley.

Arrangements are in the care of Visser Funeral Home in Langley.