John Richard Gabler

John Richard Gabler

John Richard Gabler, 78, Overland Park, Kansas passed away Saturday, February 7, 2009 at his home.

 

He was born October 2, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri to Frederick  and Dora (Knake) Gabler.  He graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1949. Following graduation, John was drafted by the New York Yankees. He retired from baseball and moved back to Kansas to work with his father and brother at Gabler’s Nursery.  John was a member of Overland Park Lutheran Church, Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in Wichita and the Nurseryman Association.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Frederick Gabler, Jr. Survivors include his wife, Shirley (Knowlton) Gabler; children and their spouses, Cynthia and Chip Anthony, Karen and Jeff Bowden all of Overland Park, Kansas, Johnna and Mitch Simmons, Overbrook, Kansas, Fritz and Terri Gabler, Stilwell, Kansas and Patti and Bill Nigro, Overland Park, Kansas; sister-in-law, Charlotte Gabler, Overland Park, Kansas; and 10 grandchildren, Jake, Ryan, Tyler, Connor, Kelsey, Samantha, Fritz Jr., Emily, Josie and Courtney.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to Overland Park Lutheran Church, 7910 Lowell, Overland Park, Kansas 66204.

 

Visitation and Services

 

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at the Overland Park Lutheran Church; burial in the Monticello Union Cemetery, Shawnee, Kansas. Friends may call from 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee.

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Posted by Obituaries on February 7, 2009     11 Comments

Messages of Condolence

  1. Gary and Carolyn Hanson on February 9th, 2009 9:01 am

    Gary and I were very sorry to learn about John’s passing. John was a super man.

    We were customers for years and years. Everything in our yard came from Gabler’s. John and Gary and I would stand out in the gravel driveway of the nursery and plan our yards plantings by drawing with a stick or twig ,where we should plant things in our yard. John knew where everything would grow.

    He loved his plants. The flowers that he would grow from seed were the strongest and best and prettiest in the city.

    We were long and faithful customers and enjoyed Gabler’s nursery because we enjoyed our company with John.

    He loved talking about his baseball days, as did my husband. Not too many guys make it to the major league and that was something to be proud about. We were proud of him too.

    Later, I happened to take a job at the Lutheran Church for a while, as a secretary, so our paths crossed once again (besides at the nursery). I enjoyed seeing him on a more regular basis there. He was a good Christian man, as was his brother and their families. We stood beside John at his brother’s service.

    God bless John. He was a nice, nice man. Everytime we look at our yard, we will remember him and the fun we had planning everything together. There will never be another guy like John in our lives. We will miss him….everything in the city will miss him.

    Our deepest sympathy to his family.

    Carolyn and Gary Hanson

  2. L.B. "Birdie" Hammond on February 9th, 2009 10:01 am

    As an opposing batter, I learned quickly (1948), that John Gabler was something special. Playing for the opposing “Southeast Boosters” (Benson Chiefs) in the Senior division 3 and 2 League, I never could a ball that John threw. He threw a pitch we called a “Drop ball”. I think it is called a curve ball now. It was with great respect that I learned that he later played for the New York Yankees. In our league he separated the Men from the Boys.
    My sympathy goes out to the family in his passing.
    Sincerely, “Birdie” Hammond

  3. deb schraad on February 9th, 2009 10:49 am

    Dear Shirley,
    We were saddened by the news of your loss. Please know that Alan and I will be praying for you and your family. If we can be of help in the future, please don’t hesitate to call on us. May God give you peace at this difficult time.

    Your neighbors down the street,
    Alan, Deb,Brome, Cody, Elijah and Isaac Schraad

  4. Kal Makela on February 9th, 2009 1:54 pm

    Dear Gabler families , Ida and I offer our condolences. We pray that God whose mercy and compassion are limitless will be a source of comfort for each of you in the days to come. And may the memories of happier times with a loving husband, father and grandfather bring you peace.

    We, for years before we moved to Lakeview Village, let the
    Gabler’s help us find the Christmas tree that suited us. I remember the visits at the nursery at other times of the year as well and John’s help advice in selecting plants for our yard. Also miss his quiet unassuming pleasant manner at OPLC as he greeted us. In Christ, Ida and Kal

  5. Kirsten Anthony on February 9th, 2009 4:30 pm

    I was so saddened to hear the news about John. Please know that the entire Gabler family is in our prayers. We will pray for God’s peace and loving memories to fill your hearts at this difficult time.
    Kirsten, Cole and Caroline Anthony

  6. Judy McRoberts on February 10th, 2009 12:02 pm

    Cindy…I was so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. You are in my thoughts during this difficult time.

  7. Reina Barr on February 10th, 2009 5:39 pm

    Shirley and family,

    I would like to send you my condolences on the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. Christ will give you the peace and comfort you’re searching for. My thoughts prayers are with you.

  8. Donna Knowlton Stark on February 11th, 2009 8:22 am

    Dear Aunt Shirley,
    I was so saddened to hear the news about Uncle John. Please know that I am holding you close in thoughts and prayers. I am praying that you and your entire family will feel God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time and that cherished memories will give you joy in the days to come. Please give my love to Cindy, Karen, Fritz, Johnna and Patti.

    Much love,
    Donna Knowlton Stark

  9. Ron McCabe on February 11th, 2009 8:50 am

    You have my deepest sympathy for the passing of John. I remember playing overhand softball at 69th and Elmwood, and other spots, against John. He was a great competitor and a great guy.

    I later got to meet him again when his son Fritz came to pitch for Arnie Briggs and me with Helzberg’s (1983/84) in the Ban Johnson League.

    Ron McCabe

  10. Carolyn Lynn on February 14th, 2009 2:17 pm

    Shirley,
    Frances Barnes told me about John. I missed the paper Mon. as I was volunteering at the hospital. I am so sorry. I know it is a very rough time. May God be with you and your family.

    Love,
    Carolyn

  11. Mark & Kathy Hoge on February 24th, 2009 12:09 pm

    We were sad to here about John’s passing. Shirley I would like to let you know that I thought John was a great guy, you have known me all my life. I will miss seeing John and going to the ball game with him. He was my Dad best friend and I enjoyed being around them when they would talk about the world problems or Dad tell me about there visit at the dounut shop. John will really be missed. We love you and will see you next time we are in Overland Park.

    Love,

    Mark & Kathy

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