John Charles Gaebel

John Charles Gaebel, of Latrobe, has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, in Pittsburgh, with his wife and family by his side. Heaven has welcomed a precious soul. He was born April 27, 1944, in Greensburg, a son of the late Charles and Martha Louise (Kemmer) Gaebel. John retired after being the owner of John C. Gaebel Associates Nationwide Insurance Agency. John really enjoyed his job, and especially the people. He was past president of Central Westmoreland County Association of Life Underwriters, past regional vice president of Pennsylvania Association of Life Underwriters and Pennsylvania State Board of Directors, former member of Latrobe Jaycees and Latrobe Rotary Club and recipient of two Paul Harris Fellow awards. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church of Latrobe and Shidle Lodge No. 601 F&AM. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Valley of Pittsburgh Scottish Rite, McKeesport Caravan 4, Greensburg Caravan 8, Tall Cedars of Lebanon and Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh, where he enjoyed raising funds for Shriners Hospital for Children. He was an avid trapshooter, a life member of Amateur Trapshooting Association, Hecla, and Ruffsdale Gun Clubs, and past president and secretary of Syria Gun Club. John loved to travel across the country, winning numerous trophies and awards during his 47 years of competitive shooting. He retired after 10 years of military service in the Army National Guard with the rank of captain. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Geraldine "Gerry" (Johnson) Gaebel, and one brother, Thomas J. Gaebel and his wife, Hope, of Irwin. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph "Tim" Gaebel, of Jeannette, and a brother-in-law, Carl R. Johnson, of Larimer. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Kathy Gaebel, of Jeannette, and Bonnie Johnson, of Larimer; many nieces, nephews and friends; and two special "brothers", David Dunhoff and John Pelusi. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650, where a masonic service will be conducted by Shidle Lodge No. 601 F&AM at 7 p.m. Monday. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at Bethany United Methodist Church, Latrobe, Pastor Jonathan Fehl officiating. Burial will be held at Unity Cemetery, Latrobe, with military honors rendered by Blairsville Military Honor Guard. To purchase flowers or send condolences, visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.