Obituary of Robert W. Abeling

Robert W. Abeling, 94, formerly of Canajoharie, NY died peacefully on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at his home with his loving family at his side. Born on March 7, 1916 on Academy Street in Amsterdam, NY, he was the eldest child of the late Lester and Kathyrn Duffy Abeling. He was a lifelong area resident and attended Canajoharie schools. For over 46 years he was employed by Beech Nut in Canajoharie as a tinsmith. During WWII he served as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army stateside, mostly at the POW Camp at Clyde, NY. Bob was a member of the St. John's -St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Canajoharie and the 25 year club of Beech Nut. On May 16, 1942 he was united in marriage to the former Mildred Edwards. That union lasted 58 years until her passing in 2000. He was also predeceased by his sister, Caroline Conrad; and brothers, James, Thomas and Carl Abeling. Survivors include two sons, Robert and Gretchen Abeling of Monticello, IA and Walter Abeling and his wife Sandy of Amsterdam, NY; one sister, Katherine Frasier and her husband Miles of Palatine Bridge, NY; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services are private and at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place with military honors in the Ephratah Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to remember Bob are asked to make a donation in his memory to the Montgomery County SPCA, PO Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010.