Obit: Gabriel, Juanita M. (1919 - 2008)

Poster: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Byrne, Dahlen, Espe, Gabriel, Lawlor, Lemmon, Schiesl

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., WI) Thursday, September 11, 2008, Online Edition

Gabriel, Juanita M. (January 26, 1919 - September 3, 2008)

Juanita M. "Peg" Gabriel, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008 of heart failure at the New Glarus Home.

She was born to Irl and Helen (Byrne) Lemmon in the foothills of West Virginia in 1919. Having grown up in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, she was married to John Gabriel on October 17, 1938 in Milwaukee. Juanita lived most of her adult life in Tomahawk, Medford, Monroe and finally New Glarus while spending many winters in Lakeland, Fla., where she was a founder of the "Merry Widows" group.

She leaves to mourn her, a son, Tom (Debbie) Gabriel and daughter, Juanita Kielley (Jerry) Dahlen; her grandchildren, Erin (Robb) Schiesl, Carrie (Mike) Lawlor and Tony (Heidi) Gabriel; her great-grandchildren, Nadia and Kyla Schiesl and baby Aidan Lawlor; and a special niece, Patty. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and all of her siblings.

Juanita "Peggy" was a joy to know. She attacked life with wit, wisdom, sass and humor. She was an Irish lass to the core — though there is still the question as to whether it was really Irish or actually Norwegian. Regardless, there was never a better wife, mother or friend. She will truly be missed.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 6 at Primrose Lutheran Church in Belleville, with the Rev. Nicole Espe officiating. Juanita was entombed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee following the services.

A memorial fund to establish a scholarship at the New Glarus Public Schools has been established.

Mom had a great life: we mourn her passing but thank God for her almost 90 years. Rest in peace, Peggy Weggy.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus assisted the family with arrangements.