His younger years were filled with adventures with his brothers along the Blue River where hunting and fishing experiences provided many stories for future sharing. As a teenager, he was expected to help on the farm and acquired a true love for the land and always dreamed of becoming a fanner. His hopes of becoming a Nebraska farmer dissipated when his family made the decision to move to Oregon in 1947.
Abe married Irene Buller on December 1, 1948, at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, Nebraska. Three children were born: Steven Gene in 1950, Charles Lee in 1952, and Susan Irene in 1956. The family lived in Dallas, Oregon, for 18 years during which his various jobs included lumber mill worker, night watchman at Gerlingers; mechanic at a Pontiac dealership, and then had the opportunity to purchase his own auto repair shop.
Abe and Irene, with their children, returned to Nebraska in 1966, where he purchased and then operated Tri County Motors for 8 years. In 1974, at the age of 47, he experienced a major heart attack. Recuperation and therapy for him came in the form of woodworking and carpentry and during the next years he built I I homes, a barn, and an apartment building. His family will appreciate his handiwork for many years with the countless furniture projects made with loving craftsmanship. Another of his endeavors, Hampton Automotive, was started in 1984. He valued his customers and new friends during the four years. Abe became an avid reader later in life and also developed an interest in computers. He spent much time emailing friends and family and also used the computer to write his life story. Church attendance and involvement was important to Abe and he presently served as co-librarian. He also enjoyed years teaching Sunday School, served as a deacon and was on various church boards. Community involvement included a term on the Henderson Hospital board.
Surviving are his wife, Irene; daughter-in-law Lynette Block of Henderson; son Charles and wife Karla of Henderson; daughter Susan and husband Bruce Hiebner of Henderson. Abe cherished his eight grandchildren and new great-granddaughter; Kara Block and Brian Davis of Los Angeles, CA; Krista and Dan Trimble of Omaha, NE; Adam Block of Junction City, KS; Amber Block and Alex Block of Henderson; Stacey and Jonathan Yost and daughter Kaci of Sutton, NE; Ashley Hiebner and fiancé Nicholas Nienhueser of Lincoln, NE; and Connor Hiebner of Henderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Eva and Lena, brothers Jack, John, and Dan, and son Steven.
Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday (09/30/08), Mennonite Brethren Church, Henderson. Burial: Church Cemetery. Visitation: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday family greeting friends and neighbors from 6 – 8 p.m. at the mortuary. Memorials to the church.