Robert Gabler Obituary

Gabler, Robert (Bob) A.

Robert (Bob) A. Gabler, 70, of Naperville, Illinois passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023, with his family by his side at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 by the Mayo Clinic and faced the disease bravely and with great dignity. Sadly, he lost his battle with ALS, but remained a warrior throughout. Bob was born on March 8, 1952, in Canton, Ohio to Robert E. and Mary Ellen (née Johnston) Gabler. Beloved husband of Carole (née Pekala) Gabler whom he married on September 7, 1974, after meeting their sophomore year at Western Illinois University. Loving father of Amy (Jeff) Heitzman. Devoted grandfather of Ethan and Riley Heitzman. Brother of Janet Gabler-Hover (William) of Avondale Estates, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Gabler. Bob Gabler grew up in Macomb, Illinois, where he attended the Lab School at Western Illinois University Class of 1970. He went on to attend Western Illinois University where he earned a B.S. in Geography and Teacher's Education. Then, he proceeded to earn his M.S. in Geography from Northern Illinois University. Shortly after Bob and Carole married in 1974, they moved to Naperville, IL. Bob worked as a Teacher for Naperville School District 203 beginning in 1974 where he taught the Earth Sciences. He also taught Weather and Environment and Physical Geology as part of a curriculum that he helped develop. Even though he retired from teaching in 2010, he remained with the district as a Campus Supervisor from 2010 to 2020. Bob's true gift and joy in life was being in the high school environment and serving as a mentor to countless students. The impact he made is truly immeasurable as he created a legacy at Naperville Central High School that will never be forgotten. The most recent highest accolade that Bob received was being inducted into the Naperville Central Athletic Hall of Fame in two different categories: as both a Coach and as a Friend of Athletics. One of Bob's most notable roles was his position as the Assistant Boys Tennis Coach for Naperville Central High School for 33 years. There were several highlights throughout the years that took place under his leadership within this role in the Athletic Department. In the year 2000, Bob was named the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year. While under his guidance, Naperville Central Redhawk tennis won the IHSA State Championship in 2017. His high level of involvement in the Athletic Department was apparent to all and further recognized by many. He maintained a constant involvement at home athletic contests through the years working various operations at both football and basketball games. His career included his position as a Junior and Senior Class Advisor where he planned homecomings, proms and graduations instilling higher levels of school pride through each event. His morals and values, integrity and heart, and positive attitude were just a few of the attributes he possessed that he then impressed upon his students and athletes. Outside of work, Bob genuinely enjoyed spending quality time with his family, playing golf, reading, and participating in a fantasy football league. Bob will be deeply missed by many. His legacy will continue on and the beautiful memories of him will live on forever in our hearts. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 18 from 4 PM- 8 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 19 at 11 AM at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Naperville. Burial will be at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Naperville. For more information, please call 630-355-0213. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

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