John V. Gable

John Vernon Gable, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community member, passed away on December 6, 2024, in Mayville, WI, at the age of 84. Born on August 23, 1940, in Minneapolis, MN, John was the son of Granvil B. and Verona H. Gable.

A Memorial Service for John will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville with Rev Dr. Young Tae Lee and Rev. Dr. A Hyun Lee officiating. A visitation for John will take place at the funeral home in Mayville on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Military Honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69.

John graduated from South High School in Minneapolis in 1958, where he played football, basketball, and baseball and sang in the choir. As a young man, he developed a lifelong passion for gardening, helping his father cultivate an award-winning iris garden that sparked his enduring green thumb.

In 1962, John graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Science in Business and as a proud member of the ROTC program. Soon after, he married the love of his life, Nan, on June 9, 1963, and served his country on active duty in the U.S. Air Force in Bangor, Maine, until 1965.

After completing his service, John and Nan settled in Lake Mills, IA, where he worked in personnel for Walker Manufacturing. John demonstrated his civic spirit early by founding the city’s ambulance service. In 1972, the family moved to Racine, WI, where John worked for Tenneco Automotive and welcomed their son, Bob. In 1976, John and Nan established and operated Mayville Motor Supply for 37 years. Fondly known as “NAPA John,” John became a cornerstone of the community. They also welcomed their daughter, Lynn, during this time.

John’s commitment to his community was unmatched. He was a proud member of the American Legion, supporting activities such as Legion Bingo and baseball concessions, and served on numerous city committees and civic organizations. He helped organize the original Audubon Days festival, led Cub and Boy Scout troops, and supported local and state election campaigns. At times in life, John volunteered for the Rotary and Food Pantry in Mayville and Green Valley Enterprises of Beaver Dam and was on the Board of Directors for Church Health Services in Beaver Dam. He even earned an appointment to the W2 Committee under Governor Tommy Thompson.

An adventurer at heart, John explored all 50 states and numerous international destinations, including Ireland, England, Machu Picchu, Africa, Copper Canyon in Mexico and the Amazon. His love for history inspired visits to every Presidential Library and countless National Parks and monuments. Whether talking politics, gardening, reading history books, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing or playing games like bridge, dominoes, and Pegs and Jokers, John lived life to the fullest.

John was a man of deep faith, actively participating in his church communities and choirs, including Mayville United Methodist Church, Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam, and most recently, Christ United Methodist Church in Watertown.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Nan; his children, Robert (Chastity) Gable and Lynn (Matt) Peters; grandchildren, Thomas (Sarah) Peters, Matthew (Sochita) Peters, and Alli Gable; great-granddaughters, Amelia, Akara, Odyssah, and Charlie; brothers Lester Gable and Gerald (Kay) Gable; and extended family members Julia Rahn and Zyilah Arndt. John’s also survived by his dear cousin Jackie Best, who was more like a sister and friend. Jackie and her partner Zig Kauls traveled extensively with Nan and John over the last 10 years and created many memories together.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, William; and his grandson, Riley.

John’s kindness, wisdom, and dedication to his family and community will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/) in John’s honor.

John’s legacy of love, service, and adventure will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.