Obituary of Charles M. Abel

Charles M. Abel, age 80 of Coralville died Friday, April 16, 2021, at the Bird House-Hospice Home of Johnson County. A time for family and friends to gather to remember, share and support Chuck’s life will be held from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Bird House-Hospice Home of Johnson County, Iowa City Hospice or Habitat for Humanity. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Charles Madison Abel was born October 7, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Richard and Amanda (Sater) Abel. He grew up in Rock Rapids, Iowa where he graduated from high school. He then attended and graduated from Morningside College, received his Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska, and later his PhD from the University of Iowa. His adult working career was in Social Work with a strong emphasis in the area of child abuse and neglect. He taught with great passion on this subject at the University of Iowa School of Social Work. Chuck was a man that enjoyed life, was a strong supporter of Iowa Hawkeye Football and Basketball programs, and loved the outdoors - fishing, gardening, walking and simply just being out and about in his neighborhood. He was the go-to guy in his housing association and served as president for many years. He loved his dogs, Pepper, Riley and Molly, but near and dear to his heart was his family! His family includes his wife, Linda; daughter, Sandi Abel (Andy Cilek); son, Tim Abel (Micki); two grandsons, Jack Abel and Owen Abel; step-son, Michael Bunten (Cynthia) and step-grandchildren Audrey Bunten and Tyler Cole (Anais); and three step-great-grandchildren, Emma, William and McKenzie. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-daughter, Lisa Cole and brother, Richard Abel.