Ethel Mae Abel

Ethel Mae Abel (nee Stern), age 81 of Ixonia, passed away peacefully at AngelsGrace Hospice after a short illness on Thursday, January 29, 2015. Ethel is survived by her daughter Cheryl (Jim) Buske, grandchildren; Pastor James (Terry) Buske, Bradley Buske, Paul (Hannah) Buske and great-grandchildren; Zoe, Micah, Ana, Judah, Natalie and Tyler. Ethel is also survived by her brother Ralph (Rose) Stern, sisters-in-law Helen Stern and Doris Stern and brothers-in-law James (Joanne) Abel and Lee Linse along with other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her beloved husband Gordon A. Abel of 40 years. They were married August 2, 1952 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sullivan. Also preceded by her parents Clarence and Blanche Stern, brothers Lloyd Stern, Howard Stern and sister-in-law Rhea Stern. Gordon and Ethel were the owners and operators of Abel's Apple Orchard in Pewaukee. Ethel enjoyed gardening, canning, a skill that she passed on through the generations and spending time with her family and friends. Funeral services for Ethel will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, W1955 Gopher Hill Road, Ixonia, WI on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service led by Pastor Kenneth Ewerdt. Burial will follow the service in the chapel at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ethel's name can be made to the St. Paul's Handicap Expansion or the Lighthouse Youth Ministries, 5641 N. 68th St., Milwaukee, WI 53218.