Rick Abel, age 69 of Wakarusa, IN, passed at 7:48 am on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at home. Rick was born on November 28, 1952 in Elkhart, IN to Paul and Evelyn (Roose) Abel. He was a lifelong resident of Wakarusa and a 1971 graduate of NorthWood High School. Rick attended Indiana University, Bloomington and was a 1975 graduate. On June 28, 1975 Rick married his childhood sweetheart, Gail Roeder, in Elkhart, IN. He was an employee and owner of his family business, working alongside his father and brothers at Franklin Coach Company in Nappanee until retiring in 2008.

Rick was known for his competitive spirit. He loved spending time on the golf course and would make any game a competition. He especially loved playing fun, competitive games with his grandchildren. If he wasn't on the golf course, he was supporting his grandchildren at all of their sporting events. The ultimate competitor, Rick battled cancer for 13 years; his fight took on the mantra of the late Stuart Scott, "When you die, it does not mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell."

Rick is survived by his wife, Gail Abel of Wakarusa; 3 children: Maggie (Ben) Brunner of Goshen, IN, Joe (Andrea) Abel of Syracuse, IN, and Nick (Natalie) Abel of Wakarusa; 12 grandchildren: Belle, Tommy, Bo, Harry, and Teddy Brunner; Addison, Kate, and Vivian Abel; and Lila, Millie, Ruby, and George Abel. His parents; sister, Becky Moody; and brothers Don and Steve Abel preceded Rick in death.

Cremation will take place and private family services will be held. Memorial contributions in Rick's name can be given to Indiana Golf Foundation. (indianagolf.org/donate/)