Fr. Donald E. Abell
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Fr. Donald E. Abell, 72, died Thursday, March 24, 2011, in the Fountainview Nursing Home in Eldorado after an extended illness.
Fr. Don was born in Ridgway on their family farm, Sept. 22, 1938, to Martin and Louise (Wenzel) Abell. Fr. Don graduated from Ridgway High School and then entered the seminary for priesthood. Before becoming a priest he taught grade school in Ridgway. In 1976 he was ordained into the priesthood and was at the Cathedral in Belleville before being placed in St. Mary's in Eldorado, where he retired in 2006.
Fr. Don had a passion for everything he did, whether it was his family, his church, his flowers or life in general. His knowledge and ability to raise orchids was second to none. He was a Fourth Degree Sir Knight of the Knight of Columbus in Ridgway where he also served as chaplain. He had been the chaplain at the Illinois Youth Center and past dean of the East Deanery of Belleville. Fr. Don was a great son, brother, uncle and friend, but mostly was a great priest who will never be forgotten as he touched so many lives in such wonderful ways.
Fr. Don is survived by his loving mother, Louise Abell of Ridgway; four brothers, Bob (Barbara) Abell of Fairview Heights, Richard (Barbara) Abell of Ramsey, Larry (Connie) Abell of Goreville and Pat (Becky) Abell of Ridgway; also two sisters, Linda (Charles) McGuire of Ridgway and Cathy (Jim) Smith of Harrisburg; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; and three nephews, Charles Anthony McGuire, David Abell and Mark McGuire.
Visitation for Fr. Don will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2011, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway, where visitation will start at 9 a.m. Fr. Steven Beatty will be celebrating Mass. Interment will follow in the St. Patricks Cemetery near Ridgway.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer's research in his memory.
Cox and Son Funeral Home in Ridgway is in charge of arrangements and you may leave a note of comfort to the family at the Internet site www.coxandson.com.