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William J. “Bill” Abeln

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William J. “Bill” Abeln, age 89, of Rogers, formerly of Avon and Sartell, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Wellstead of Rogers in Rogers, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 7 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon with Rev. Greg Miller officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Albany American Legion.
William John Abeln was born June 23, 1927 in Holdingford, Minnesota to Alois and Bernadine (Benolken) Abeln. He graduated high school in Vancouver, Washington. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served during World War II. On April 30, 1949, he married Angeline Jonas in St. Anna, Minnesota. Together they resided in Avon for 40 years and in Sartell for 13 years. They owned and operated Abeln’s Food Market in Avon for 40 years. Bill was proud of his homemade sausage and home cured hams and bacon. He enjoyed serving on the Avon Fire Department and retired with 30 years of service. He also enjoyed his 18 years at the cabin in Pine River fishing, relaxing in his screen house, and traveling overseas to many countries with Angie.
Bill was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon and St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell. He was also a member of the Merchant Marine Veteran Association.
Survivors include his children, Jane (Michael) McGee, Robert (Joyce) Abeln, Carol (Frank) Kelash, Allen (Jean) Abeln, and Michael (Barbara) Abeln; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Peter Jonas and Bill Myers; sisters-in-law, Marcella Stegura, Mary Abeln, Mary Thompson, and Ann Jonas.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Angeline “Angie” Abeln; parents; sisters and brother, Lou Meyer, Eileen Taylor, Eva Mae “Tiny” Rangel, Raymond Abeln, and Bernadette “Flash” Robison.
Serving as casket bearers were Chris Bratvold, Michael Munsterteiger, Kevin Rademacher, Collin Abeln, Scott McGee, and Joshua Abeln. Cross bearer was Jessica Hennen and scripture bearer was Sarah Abeln. Reader was Mitchell Abeln. Gift bearers were Isabel, Hailey, Levi, and Crystal Munsterteiger, and Kayla McGee-Frank. Eucharistic Ministers were Joyce Abeln and Jean Abeln.