I got word from Rick Carson Wrisley from Elkhart, Indiana that Doc Abel has passed onto Glory! Rick and I worked to together for years at WFRN/WCMR in Elkhart! Here is what Rick wanted to share……….
A few weeks ago I was with Doc Abel getting checked out. He shared with me that during World War II his right leg was severely injured by a roadside bomb and he almost bled to death. He said he made a promise to God that if He would spare his life he would return to Wakarusa and never leave. During his decades of practicing medicine it is estimated that he deliver over 10 thousand 600 babies. He was truly a man of God who reflected the love and joy of Jesus Christ in his everyday life. He will be missed.
a little side note….some how Doc got acquainted with Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears and he and his family ended up moving to Wakarusa where they still live today.
Rick also included Doc Abel’s Obituary………….
WAKARUSA — Dr. Robert M. Abel, 92, of Wakarusa, Indiana died at 2:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born Nov. 10, 1924, to Ralph M. and Edna (Pletcher) Abel in Wakarusa and grew up on a farm near Wakarusa. On August 13, 1948, he married Betty Ann Hattery in Martinsville. She preceded him in death Nov. 4, 2014. Dr. Abel was a 1942 graduate of Wakarusa High School. He then attended Goshen College for two years before joining the United States Army and serving overseas during WW II. After returning home from the Army he graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1950. Dr. Abel began his medical practice in Wakarusa, July 1, 1951, and in 1957 built the Wakarusa Medical Clinic. In 2010 he opened the WaNee Medical Walk-In Clinic, continuing to practice until Dec. 27, 2016. Dr. Abel was a member of AMA and Indiana Medical Association for over 60 years. He was a member of the Elkhart General Hospital staff for over 66 years. He proudly delivered approximately 10,612 babies to local families. He served as the Medical Director for Bashor Home of the United Methodist Churches for 60 years. In 1995, He was elected to the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame for his years of service as team medical doctor and in 1996 was elected to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. Dr. Abel’s love for his hometown of Wakarusa was shown in many areas. He was a member of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, Wakarusa Lions Club, Historical Society, and Friends of the Wakarusa Public Library. In 1989 he was instrumental in Miller’s Merry Manor coming to Wakarusa and building a 132-bed nursing home and in 2000, adding a 40-unit assisted living complex. He served as the medical director for these facilities. In 1989, he developed Orchard Park for 19 new homes and Orchard Park Apartments. In 1982, he bought the closed Wolfberg Stores in Wakarusa and renovated them into offices and retail stores to serve the town. In 1999 he was honored as the Citizen of the Year by the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce. In 2013, Wa-Nee Community Schools dedicated and named the NorthWood Middle School football field “Doc” Abel Field in honor of his life-long commitment and service to our communities. Dr. Abel was appointed by the Judge of Elkhart County in 1962, to develop the Wa-Nee School System under the new School Reorganization Act and served on the school board for 34 years – 18 years as the president which is one of the longest tenures in Indiana. Dr. Abel was active in Indiana 4-H since 1934 as a member, leader, and advisory board member. He was a past president and was still serving as a member of the Elkhart County 4-H Board, and the review and expansion committee. From 1980 to 1986, he served on the Indiana 4-H Foundation Board and served his last five years as president. This board also serves as the Dean of Agriculture of Purdue University. In 1985, he was awarded the Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award by Purdue Extension Service. In 1985, he was elected to the Hall of Fame for State and County Fairs. Dr. Abel was the recipient of three Sagamore of the Wabash awarded by three different governors and in October 2016 was a Torch Bearer for the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. Surviving are his children, Nancy (Tom) Roeder, Robert Abel II, Randy (Jane) Abel, all of Wakarusa, Michael (Linda) Abel, North Platte, Nebraska; grandchildren, Andrew (Billie) Roeder, Charlie (Kristin) Roeder, Molly (Dave) Wilson, Samantha Abel, Spencer Abel, Lacy Abel, Tyler (Jackie) Abel,; great-grandchildren, Owen, Anna, Olive, Pia, Urban Roeder, Jesse, Miriam, Hudson, Holden Wilson, and Taytem and Rylee Abel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; sister, Kathryn Weaver; and brother, Paul Abel. Family and friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at the NorthWood Middle School Gymnasium in Wakarusa and for two hours prior to the funeral service which will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 17, also in the NMS gym. Memorial contributions may be given to the Dr. Robert Abel memorial fund. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa.
Thank you for letting us know Rick! God Bless the memory of Doc Abel! 
