James Dennis Abel

Jim Abel, age 66, of Marshall, Minnesota, passed away following a year-long battle with lung cancer on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at his home in Marshall, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life and sharing of memories will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2020, at the Liberty Bandshell Park in Marshall, Minnesota. A Memorial Gathering will begin after the Celebration of Life and is scheduled until 8:00 p.m. Social distancing must be observed throughout the service, and casual attire is appropriate.

James Dennis Abel was born on September 14, 1953, in Marshall, Minnesota, the third child of Liala (Aune) and George Abel, Sr. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Marshall, attended Marshall Public Schools, graduating in 1971 with the help of his good looks and sweet-talking the teachers! Jim went on to attend Anoka Vo tech for Auto Body Restoration.

Jim worked at the following local establishments through the years: Service Auto Glass, Prestige Auto Body, ADM, and D&G Excavating. He was born to a generation that believed in an honest day’s work and in helping your neighbor. He was happiest when he was at work.

Jim was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Bette Jane DeAustin, on March 22, 1975. They had just gotten the knot tied before a blizzard hit later that evening. To this union, 2 children were born, Alyssia Ann and Jameson Jon. From the time she was old enough, Alyssia was Dad’s little helper and that continued to this day. Jameson was Dad’s fishing and sports pal, spending many hours together enjoying these pastimes. And if that was not enough, the kids brought more joy when they delivered 7 amazing and unique grandchildren to the family: Annabel, Austin, Andrew, August Coudron and Kennedy, Lincoln, and McKinley Abel.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his two children Alyssia (Andy) Coudron and Jameson (Breanna) Abel; 7 grandchildren; his faithful canine, Bro; aunt, Barb Verkinderen; sisters, Shirley Quail, Cindy Jolstad; brothers, George Abel Jr., Steve (Vickie) Abel, and David (Jackie) Abel; sister-in-law, Brenda Ebbitt; and brothers-in-law, Brad (Ellen) DeAustin and Barre (Nancy) DeAustin; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He enjoyed working, fishing, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and spending time with his family. In Jim’s younger years, he enjoyed archery, softball, bowling, and hanging with his friends who called him “Squirrel”. Tipping a glass of Whiskey-Coke at the end of the night was the best part!

His favorite vacation was going up north to the lake with the family. Jim never got tired of pulling the kids around on the tube and attempting to teach them to slalom ski, which was all he did. The second favorite vacation was to Disney World, where the Magic really does happen! Jim also enjoyed vacations with Bette to Hawaii, Las Vegas, the San Diego del Coronado, and New Orleans. They also loved packing up the cooler and going on innumerable road trips – whether it be bird watching, to concerts, or to see the grandkids.

The family would like to thank Prairie Home Hospice for the loving in-home care they provided in the last month of Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name can be made to Prairie Home Hospice (408 E Main St Suite 8 Marshall, MN 56258.)

Meeting him in heaven are his parents; brothers-in-law, Ordell Quail, LeRoy Jolstad, Brian VanOverbeke; sister-in-law, Barb Abel; nephew, Troy Quail; uncles, Lawrence Verkinderen, Oli Aune; and a whole pack of beloved dogs and cats.

“Dang – I finally made the obit page! I’ll miss you guys.” ~ Loveable Jim