Charles Gale Abbey

Charles Gale Abbey was born March 11, 1933, in Mercer Co., ND, and died December 23, 2018, in Coos Bay, Coos Co., OR, at age 85. Buried in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, Morton Co., ND. He is the son of Oran Ralph Abbey of Milladore Twp., Wood Co., WI, and Alice Frances Herman of Glen Ullin, Mercer Co., ND.

Kathleen Diane "Kathie" Gillen was born May 5, 1936, in Red Lodge, Carbon Co., MT, and died June 3, 2001, in Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, at age 65. Buried in Red Lodge Cemetery, Red Lodge, Carbon Co., ND. She is the daughter of John James Gillen, and Pauline Salono. Divorced.

Charles Gale Abbey (age 30), a bachelor, and Kathleen Diane "Kathie" Gillen (age 27), a maiden, were married June 29, 1963, in Red Lodge, Carbon Co., MT.

Charles Gale Abbey and Kathleen Diane "Kathy" (Gillen) Abbey had three children:

  1. Regina Margaret "Gina" Abbey : Born 1964 in Sidney, Richland Co., MT. Married to Douglas Wayne " Doug" Ardiana : Born November 25, 1964, in Midland Co., TX.
  2. Shannon Lynn Abbey : Born August 24, 1965, in Sidney, Richland Co., MT. Married (1) September 7, 1985, in Glendive, Dawson Co., MT, to Edward Billy Albert: Born October 21, 1962, in Brighton, CO. Married (2) September 27, 1999, in Las Vegas, Clark Co., MT, to Geoffrey Evans "Goeff" Boyd : Born 1962 in Unknown.
  3. Jon Patrick Abbey : Born April 21, 1970, in Sidney, Richland Co., MT. Married about June, 1994, in Billings, MT, to Tamsen Leigh Ash : Born August 22, 1970, in Montana.

Charles Gale Abbey and Kathleen Diane "Kathie" (Gillen) Abbey were divorced April 9, 1985, in Dawson Co., MT.

Charles Gale Abbey then married Lorraine Louise (Thompson) Boeck.

Lorraine Louise Thompson was born May 17, 1929, in Stanley, Mountrail Co., ND, and died November 20, 2017, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND, at age 88. Buried in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, Morton Co., ND. She is the daughter of John Oliver Thompson of Hammond, Piatt Co., IL, and Amanda Emma Ida Piepkorn of Lansing, Mower Co., MN. Lorraine's body was cremated. She is a twin of her sister, Lois May Thompson.

Eldon LeRoy Boeck was born June 17, 1929, in Sioux Trail Twp., Divide Co., ND, and died January 6, 1982, at St. Luke's Hospital, Fargo, ND, at age 52. Buried in Rudser Church Cemetery, Divide Co., ND. He is the son of Reinhold Boeck, and Martina Sophia Elmgren.

Eldon LeRoy Boeck (age 24), a bachelor, and Lorraine Louise Thompson (age 24), a maiden, were married June 28, 1953, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stanley, Divide Co., ND .

Eldon LeRoy Boeck and Lorraine Louise (Thompson) Boeck had four children:

  1. Roger Boeck : Born Unknown.
  2. Rhonda K. Boeck : Born Unknown. Married to Craig R. Dvirnak : Born Unknown.
  3. Larry Dean Boeck: Born December 14, 1962, in Unknown. Married June 4, 1994, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Williston, ND, to Geri Ann McIntee: Born Unknown.
  4. Lynda Boeck: Born Unknown. Married to Mike Wagner : Born Unknown.

Charles Gale Abbey (age 58), a divorcee, and Lorraine Louise (Thompson) Boeck (age 62), a widow, were married May 18, 1991, in Williston, Williams Co., ND.

Charles Gale Abbey and Lorraine Louise (Thompson) (Boeck) Abbey had no children.

TIMELINE

The link below goes to some North Dakota newspapers. Please use the Chrome browser for best results:

http://ndarchives.advantage-preservation.com

   

Charles Gale Abbey is buried in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, Morton Co., ND. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making these images available.

Kathleen Diane "Kathie" (Gillen) Abbey is buried in Red Lodge Cemetery, Red Lodge, Carbon Co., ND. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

Myrlin George Boeck was born June 2, 1919, in Moccasin, Aloe Toole Co., MT.

Lorraine Louise Thompson was born May 17, 1929, in Stanley, Mountrail Co., ND.

Eldon LeRoy Boeck was born June 17, 1929, in Sioux Trail Twp., Divide Co., ND.

The 1930 U.S. Census taken on April 30, 1930, shows Oran Abbey (age 29) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, and first married at age 25, is a married General Farm Farmer, and who owns his own farm worth $500 and is living in T143, R88, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Alice Abbey (age 28) born in North Dakota to German and West Virginia-born parents, and first married at age 24; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 3) born in North Dakota to Wisconsin and North Dakota-born parents; and his daughter, June Abbey (age 1) born in North Dakota to Wisconsin and North Dakota-born parents.

Charles Gale Abbey was born March 11, 1933, in Mercer Co., ND.

Kathleen Diane "Kathy" Gillen was born May 5, 1936, in Red Lodge, Carbon Co., MT.

Charles Gale Abbey, April, 1934. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

   

 Lois, June, Lenore, Marilyn, Gale and Donna Abbey, North Dakota, about 1935. The farm cat, with tail raised, is at the lower left. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

   

Lenore, Gale and Marilyn Abbey at home, about 1935. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

   

Left to Right: Donna, Marilyn, June, Lenore, Gale, and Lois Abbey, on the family farm, about 1938 . The Abbey photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

The picture to the right is a stock photo of a 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 2 Door Sedan.

Kay Koslan comments: I remember visiting here when the root cellar (to the left of the Abbey children) was there, and there was also an outhouse. The outhouse was no longer there. The door in the background was likely the front door. The Abbey kids are either going to school or to church, I'll bet.

The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 9, 1940, shows Orran Abbey (age 39) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 1 year of College, and who married but has no occupation listed, is renting his home for $15/month, and is living in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Alice Abbey (age 38) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 2 years of College; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 13) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 7 years of School; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 13) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 7 years of School; his daughter, June Abbey (age 11) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 5 years of School; his daughter, Lenore Abbey (age 10) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 3 years of School; his daughter, Marilyn Abbey (age 9) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 2 years of School; his son, Gale Abbey (age 7) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 0 years of School; his daughter, Dona Abbey (age 5) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 0 years of School; his son, James Abbey (age 2) born in North Dakota; his daughter, Colleen Abbey (age 5/12) born in North Dakota; and an unmarried Servant, Roger Endresson (age 21) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 4 years of High School, a Common Laborer in a Farming Mine.

The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 11, 1940, shows Alfred G. Stasel (age 46) born in Iowa, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 5 years of College, is a married Hospital Superintendent, and owns his house worth $8,000 and is living at 5156 Queens Avenue South, 13th Ward, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN. Living with him are: his wife, Florence A. Stasel (age 42) born in Minnesota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 4 years of High School; his son, Alan G. Stasel (age 12) born in Minnesota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 5 years of School; his son, Stanley R. Stasel (age 8) born in Minnesota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 2 years of School; his daughter, Barbara M. Stasel (age 5) born in Minnesota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 0 years of School; his daughter, Shirley J. Stasel (age 4) born in Minnesota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 0 years of School; and an unmarried Maid, Loretta J. Singman (age 26) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in Stearns Co, MN, and with 8 years of School, a Maid in a Private Home.

The entire Oran Ralph Abbey family, taken just before Oran died in 1943. Back row, left to right: Lois, Alan, Oran, Alice, June; Middle row, left to right: Lenore, Donna, Gale and Marilyn; Front row, left to right: Colleen, Jim. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

Gale, Jim and Alan Abbey, Beulah, ND, 1947. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

The 1950 U. S. Census taken on April 27, 1950, shows Alice F. Abbey (age 48) born in North Dakota, is a widowed Head of Household, and is living in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Living with her are: her never married son, Gale Abbey (age 17) born in North Dakota; her never married daughter, Donna Abbey (age 16) born in North Dakota to United States-born parents, and with 9 years of School; her son, James Abbey (age 12) born in North Dakota; her daughter, Colleen Abbey (age 10) born in North Dakota; and her son, Alan Abbey (age 8) born in North Dakota.

Lenore Shirley (Abbey) Wetzel, Kay Donnette Wetzel, Donna Clara Abbey, and Charles Gale Abbey, April or May, 1951. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

Kay Koslan comments: Left to Right: In the reddish brown hair is my mother, Lenore. Then Donna Abbey holding me, and my uncle Gale Abbey. Note that Donna has very dark hair and eyes.  If it's true that we are part Irish, then it fits. I am told by someone from Dad's side that they are called the "lack Irish." This is not "African" but just dark hair, skin, eyes. There were quite a few Abbeys, that to me, had a dark complexion, not just in my direct family, such as my mother. 

The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, May 1, 1952

Gale Abbey Injured In Farm Accident

Gale Abbey, who is doing the spring work for Ray Rettarath on his lane east of Hazen met with an accident Tuesday. While changing a plow lay he, in some way, tripped and fell striking his head on some part of the machinery cutting a deep gash. He was working alone so had to get to the doctor. Altho it took a long time to drive there as the injury made him sick & dizzy he made it. It was necessary to have several stitches and had to go to the hospital for a day or two.

Charles Gale Abbey was originally in the Beulah High School Class of 1952, but did not graduate with that class. Perhaps it was due to his farm injury?

In December, 1952, Gale Abbey was employed by the Farmers Union Oil Company.

Eldon LeRoy Boeck (age 24), a bachelor, and Lorraine Louise Thompson (age 24), a maiden, were married June 28, 1953, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stanley, Divide Co., ND .

The Divide County Journal, Crosby, Divide Co., ND, Thursday, July 9, 1953

Boeck Brothers Wed Thompson Twins In Ceremony at Stanley

On Sunday afternoon, June 28, Eldon and Vincent Boeck, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Reinhold Boeck, and Misses Lorraine Louise and Lois May Thompson, twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. John Oliver Thompson of Stanley were joined in marriage at the Evangelical Lutheran church in Stanley with Rev. Natzke of Williston officiating. Lloyd Larson sang "Silently We Bow Before Thee" and "The Lord's Prayer." Given in marriage by their father, the bride's were dressed in white satin and carried red rose. The brides' mother wore blue and grooms' mother wore orchid. Both had yellow corsages. A ride through town in a trailer and picture taking preceded the reception in the church parlors, where a decorated table awaited the couples and their close relatives. All others were served cafeteria style. Opening their many gifts, the couples expressed their thanks. Attending from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Grove of Crosby, Ed Elmgren, Mrs. Ruth Schaeffer of Williston, Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Larson and Lloyd of Hanks, and Miss Eileen Lofgren of Wheelock. The two couples left for Banff and Glacier Park for their wedding trip. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Boeck will live in Monot where he is employed, and Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Boeck will live on his farm, the former Ray Elmgren place.

The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, December 15, 1955

Beulah Local News

Gale Abbey left last Wednesday for induction into the service. On Saturday, his mother, Mrs. Alice Abbey, received a letter stating he was in the navy and was on his way to San Diego, Calif.

               

Charles Gale Abbey Navy pictures, ca. 1960. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.

The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, April 21, 1960

Beulah Locals

Gale Abbey and a friend, August Bianco of Sidney, Mont., visited a few days last week with his mother, Mrs. Alice Abbey, and with his sister, Mrs. Arvid Gustafson and family at Ft. Clark.

Jim Abbey, Alan Abbey, Alice (Herman) Abbey, and Gale Abbey, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, 1959. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

Charles Gale Abbey (age 30), a bachelor, and Kathleen Diane "Kathie" Gillen (age 27), a maiden, were married June 29, 1963, in Red Lodge, Carbon Co., MT.

The Billings Gazette, Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Wednesday, June 5, 1963

To Marry Sidney Men

WEDDING PLANS TOLD - Miss Kathleen Diane Gillen of Red Lodge will wed Gale C. Abbey of Sidney June 29. Parents of the betrothed are Mr. and Mrs. J. Gillen of Red Lodge and Mrs. Alice Abbey of Beulah, N.D.

Charles Gale Abbey and Kathleen Diane "Kathie" Gillen Marriage Record .

The Billings Gazette , Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Friday, July 12, 1963

Nuptial Mass Unites Couple

RED LODGE - Nuptial mass celebrated in St. Agnes Catholic Church united in marriage Miss Kathleen Gillen and Gale Charles Abbey. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Gillen of Red Lodge are parents of the bride. The  bridegroom is a son of Mrs. Alice Abbey of Beulah, N.D.

Lace and Taffeta

The bride appeared in a floor-length gown of Chantilly lace and silk over taffeta sweeping into a chapel-length train. A small lace cap trimmed with pearls held the fingertip veil and she carried a white orchid bouquet on a missal.

Twin Sister Attendant

Matron of honor for her twin sister was Mrs. Malcom R. McPhail of Sidney. Miss Joann Goligaski of Great Falls and Mrs. Logan Lang,, sister of the bridegroom were bridal attendants. Flower girl was Miss Laurie McPhail and Dean Lang was ring bearer. The bride is a graduate of Red Lodge High School and Carroll College of nursing. The bridegroom was graduated from Beulah, N.D.' High School and has served with the U.S. Navy. The couple will make their home at Sidney.

       

Charles Gale Abbey and Kathleen Diane "Kathie" Gillen wedding pictures . Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan .

Picnic at Alice Abbey's backyard, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, July, 1963. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

​Back row, Left to right: Alice (Herman) Abbey, bent over eating; Donna (Abbey) Stasil; Lenore (Abbey) Wetzel; June (Abbey) Dolce; Jan (Welk) Abbey; Marilyn (Abbey) Gustafson; Don Wetzel; and Stan Stasil​.

Row 2, left to right: Barry Wetzel (lower left corner); and Mike Dolce, rust shirt, back seen and standing.​

​Row 3, left to right: front to back: Stephanie Stasil, sitting in high chair; Gary Dolce, almost hidden behind Stephanie Stasil; Cindy Gustafson; and Mark Gustafson, with bib.​

Front row, left to right: Diane Lang, facing forward, Pink shorts; Kay Wetzel, facing back with orange drink, blue shirt; and Jan Gustafson, lower right corner, barely in the picture.​

Kay Koslan comments: It looked my brother Barry Wetzel and my cousin Mike Dolce were up to no good because they had a long white cord. But then I recognized it was a type of child harness attached to Mark Gustafson at the front end so he wouldn't run off into the street! The only thing Barry and Mike were doing were holding onto that cord. I think it was attached to my Grandma Alice's clothes line, as they often did that to protect the kids from running off. This was especially important because there were 33 grandchildren. There were probably at least 20 in this gathering.

Below is a link to the "Beulah, North Dakota Golden '50' Years Anniversary, 1914-1964":

http://www.odessa3.org/collections/towns/link/beulah64.txt

The Pink Frosting House. Alice Abbey in back, 206 East Main Street, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Summer, 1966.

The Abbey children cousins; Front row, Left to Right: Jan Gustafson, Larry Flemmer, Denise Lang?, Tammy Dolce, Sandy Flemmer, Stephanie Stasil, Mark Gustafson, Beth Wetzel, Gina Abbey, and Paul Flemmer. Back row, Left to Right: Vanessa Dolce, Mike Dolce, Gary Dolce, Kim Wetzel, Barry Wetzel, Cindy Gustafson (holding Scott Stasil), Kay Wetzel, Marsha Wetzel, and Marie Flemmer

Myrlin George Boeck died October 8, 1977, in Great Falls, Cascade Co., MT, at age 58.

Abbey brothers and sisters at the funeral of their mother, Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, April 1, 1982.

Eldon LeRoy Boeck died January 6, 1982, at St. Luke's Hospital, Fargo, ND, at age 52. Buried in Rudser Church Cemetery, Divide Co., ND.

Charles Gale Abbey and Kathleen Diane "Kathy" (Gillen) Abbey were divorced April 9, 1985, in Dawson Co., MT.

Charles Gale Abbey and Kathleen Diane "Kathie" (Gillen) Abbey Divorce Record .

Edward Billy Albert and Shannon Lynn Abbey were married September 7, 1985, in Glendive, Dawson Co., MT.

Edward Billy Albert and Shannon Lynn Abbey Marriage Record .

Charles Gale Abbey (age 58), a divorcee, and Lorraine Louise (Thompson) Boeck (age 62), a widow, were married May 18, 1991, in Williston, Williams Co., ND.

Charles Gale Abbey and Lorraine Louise (Thompson) Boeck Marriage Record .

Abbey brothers, Left to right: Jim, Gale and Alan, July 8, 1994. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan .

The 1998 Abbey sibling reunion, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

Left to Right, Back Row: Alan Abbey, and Gale Abbey.

Left to Right, Middle Row: Jan (Welk) Abbey, Alicia Abbey, Lenore (Abbey) Wetzel, Donald Wetzel, Lois (Abbey) Lang, and Lorraine (Thompson) (Boeck) Abbey.

Left to Right, Front Row: June (Abbey) Dolce, Arvid Gustafson, and Marilyn (Abbey) Gustafson.

Kathleen Diane "Kathie" (Gillen) Abbey died June 3, 2001, in Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, at age 65. Buried in Red Lodge Cemetery, Red Lodge, Carbon Co., ND.

Kathleen Diane "Kathie" (Gillen) Abbey Death Record .

The Billings Gazette , Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Wednesday, June 6, 2001

Kathleen Diane Abbey

Kathleen Diane Abbey, 65, of Billings died June 3, 2001, at her home. She was born May 5, 1936, to John J. and Pauline (Salono) Gillen in Red Lodge. In 1954 Kathie graduated as Valedictorian from Red Lodge High School. She attended Carroll College and received a diploma in nursing. Kathie has lived in Powell, Wyo., Sidney and Glendive. Kathie was a registered nurse and worked at St. Vincent Hospital and Healthcare Center as a nursing supervisor. She devoted her life to helping others. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and her grandchildren. Music was a vital part of Kathie's life. Whether playing the piano or attending a jazz festival, she was always surrounded by music. She also enjoyed gardening and playing bridge. She was a faithful member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and the Montana Dixieland Jazz Society. Kathie is survived by her mother, Pauline Gillen; daughters Gina (Doug) Ardiana of Moiese, Shannon (Geoffrey) Boyd of Portland, Ore.; a son, Jon (Tamsen) Abbey of Billings; five grandchildren, Abbey and Dylan Ardiana, Alexandre Boyd, Kendell and Tyler Abbey. Her father and her sister Marguerite preceded her in death. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 6, 1 to 5 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel, Billings. A Vigil will be held on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at Hahl Funeral Chapel, Billings. Funeral Mass will be on Friday at 4 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Red Lodge. Rite of Committal will be at the Red Lodge Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church. Memorials may be made to St.. Vincent Foundation and The Montana Dixieland Jazz Society Scholarship Fund, PO Box 9148, Helena, MT 59604.

Lorraine Louise (Thompson) (Boeck) Abbey died November 20, 2017, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND, at age 88. Buried in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, Morton Co., ND.

Parkway Funeral and Cremation Service, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND

Lorraine Louise Abbey

May 17, 1929 - November 20, 2017

Lorraine Louise Abbey, 88, Bismarck, formerly of Glendive, MT, and Zahl, ND, died November 20, 2017, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am Friday, November 24, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Cremation has taken place. Lorraine and her twin sister, Lois, were born May 17, 1929 in Stanley, ND to Oliver and Amanda Thompson. Lorraine was raised and educated in Stanley. After graduating from high school, Lorraine moved to Williston, ND and worked as a bookkeeper for Farmers Union Grain & Supply for six years. On June 28, 1953, Lorraine married Eldon Boeck. The couple made their home on Eldon�s farm near Zahl where they raised four wonderful children. They lived there for 29 years until the time of Eldon’s death in January 1982. On May 18, 1991, Lorraine married Gale Abbey. The couple resided in Glendive and spent several years snowbirding in Mesa, AZ after retiring. Lorraine was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed doing bead work, floral arrangements & crocheting. She loved bowling, dancing, playing cards & games and RV camping. She also liked baking and going shopping. Lorraine was a member of Ladies Aid, Homemakers Club, and the Red Hat Society. She also volunteered at the hospital gift shop and a thrift store in Glendive. Lorraine will be dearly missed by her husband, Gale Abbey; her children, Roger Boeck; Rhonda (Craig) Dvirnak and their family; Andrew (Pam) Dvirnak, Amber (Josh) Keller, Jack & Emma; Austin (Natalie) Dvirnak, Olivia & Elaina; Larry (Geri) Boeck, Megan & Colin; Lynda (Mike) Wagner and their family; Mandy (John) Persson, Morgan (Lukas Croaker, fiancé), & Natalie; her step-children, Gina (Doug) Ardiana, Abbey & Dylan; Shannon (Geoff) Boyd, Alex & Nicolas; Jon (Tamsen) Abbey, Brice, Kendall (Danny) Marshall & Lincoln; Tyler Abbey & son, Carter; and her siblings, Leona (Vernon) Boline, Gladys Grinolds, Milfred Thompson, Lois Boeck, Carol Lounsberry, Ardis (Jerry) Rice, and Sharon (Gene) Cvancara. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Amanda; her first husband, Eldon; her siblings, Myrtle Dunn, Mabel Baldon and Gerald Thompson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 7900 W. 78th St., Ste. 100, Minneapolis, MN 55439 .

Charles Gale Abbey, Coos Bay, Coos Co., OR, about 2017. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.

Shannon Abbey Boyd provided this story:

Last December about two weeks before Dad died, both Alex and Nic Boyd were playing in a basketball tournament in Coos Bay, which ironically was the town where Dad was getting his chemo and radiation. Dad was very sick from his treatment but determined to go watch the boys play basketball, and it worked out well as they were on the same team. He was very proud and very touched when they came over to him before the game to give him a hug. Such a small gesture and something they’ve done many times, but I think it made Dad feel special. They went on to win the game, and the tourney and Alex got an mvp. I�m so glad Dad was able to be there.

As a side note, Alex Boyd has taken 1st place at the Oregon high school tournament in Coos Bay, with high jump of 6 ft 4".

Charles Gale Abbey died December 23, 2018, in Coos Bay, Coos Co., OR, at age 85. Buried in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, Morton Co., ND.

The Billings Gazette, Billings, MT, Sunday, January 6, 2019

Gale Charles Abbey

COOS BAY, Ore. � After a long and wonderful life, Gale Charles Abbey passed away at the age of 85 on Dec. 23, 2018, after a brave battle with cancer. Gale was born in Beulah, North Dakota, on March 11, 1933, the son of Oren Charles and Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey. At a young age, his father passed away, and so Gale began his working career. He first assumed the responsibilities of his father in managing the farm and helping his mother raise his siblings. In 1955, he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. In 1963, he moved to Sidney where he began working for MDU and married Kathleen Gillen. They had three children and made their home in Glendive. After 21 years, Gale and Kathleen were divorced. Gale later married Lorraine Boeck, the woman he would dance with for the rest of his life. After 39 years with MDU, Gale retired in 1997. He filled his retirement years with traveling, camping, and, most of all, enjoying time with family. He was also an avid card player and enjoyed the competition with anyone who was willing to play. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, bowling, and was an excellent dancer. As a veteran, Gale took a great deal of pride in participating in the honor guard and representing his military service in local community events. Gale was one of the good guys. His family, his friends and the communities that he served will remember him dearly. He is survived by siblings Lois Lang, June Dolce, Jim Abbey, Colleen Flemmer and Alan Abbey; his children, Gina and Doug Ardiana, Shannon and Geoff Boyd, and Jon and Tamsen Abbey; his step-children, Roger Boeck, Rhonda and Craig Dvirnak, Larry Boeck, and Lynda and Mike Wagner; his grandchildren, Abbey and Dylan, Alex and Nicolas, and Kendell, Tyler and Brice; and many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gale was preceded in death by his wives, Kathleen and Lorraine, and by his sisters Marilyn Gustafson, Lenore Wetzel and Donna Stasel. A memorial service will be held in Glendive at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on January 17, 2019, at 2 p.m. Gale will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota, on Jan. 18, 2019, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the VFW or American Legion in Glendive.

Kay Koslan: There many stories I could relay about Uncle Gale because he was my baptismal sponsor and I was his son Jon's sponsor. When I was young he came back from his time in the military and brought an entire Hawaiian outfit with grass skirt and lei. Another time he brought me some fabric for a dress in the most beautiful dark apricot orange color. My mom made me a dress out of it. It was always my most favorite color, from that point on.  

I remember going to his house when he was single. He and mom were smoking and he had this Hawaiian lady bobble head statue. She was fully clothed in grass skirt and all, but it was a little embarrassing to a young girl.

One summer when all of the Abbey cousins were together, at Grandma Alice Abbey's 75th birthday, we were goofing off and found a cigarette butt outside. We took it and lit and tried to smoke it. Around the corner was Uncle Gale. He did say a word except chuckle loudly and went on his way. We never heard about it from our parents, so I figure he never told them, because surely we would have been in trouble from our parents.

He would play cards with anyone into the wee hours of the morning, right along with my mother, Marilyn, Alan and others - whoever wanted to play. But he was always better than the rest of us. He knew how to win every time, except maybe when Grandma Abbey and Aunt Min played, who'd be caught looking at your cards or taking too many cards in Liverpool Rummy. Oh well, they were old and we never held them to it.

Years later, probably about 2012, Uncle Gale was over to our house in Beulah. Uncle Gale told this story I had never heard because he knew I liked the stories and genealogy. Afterwards, I wasn't sure but I do believe it as I heard from more than one source.

Uncle Gale said that he was at his Uncle Wilfred Herman's house. Wilfred was evidently going out to castrate the sheep. Wilfred said, "Now don't look"! But your Gale was curious and looked through a small hole in the fence. He saw his uncle Wilfred castrating the sheep with his teeth. I heard the same story from Stubby Herman, Delton Herman's wife. Delton was Wilfred Herman's son and Gale's 1st cousin. Delton Herman had told Stubby the same story and she didn't know whether or not to believe Delton.