Gary Robert Abell, age 59 of Luverne, died Sunday, May 30, 2010 at Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne. He was born February 17, 1951 in St. Paul, MN to George and Melva (Taylor) Abell. Gary attended school at St. Paul Park. Gary married Joan Hoskins on March 26, 1971 in St. Paul. He worked for Whirlpool while they lived in St. Paul. He moved to Luverne in 1972 where he worked various jobs in Luverne including Van?s Motor, Jim?s 66, AR Woods and Hoskins Electric. He started his own construction electrician business G&J Electric in 1984. He also taught at Jackson Technical College as an EMS instructor and worked for Morrell?s Electric as an electrician. Gary married Pam Bode on December 31, 1993 at Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD. They made their home in Luverne where Gary started his own construction business, Abe?s Repair. In 2005 they purchased Smooky?s Pizza and Gary managed Smokey Bears Pizza until he became terminally ill with pancreatic cancer. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luverne, Boys Scouts of America, where he served as Scoutmaster for Troop 280 and served on the board of activities, past Master of Masonic Lodge 114, member of Wood Badge & Order of the Arrow, advisor for Naga Leather Club in Sioux Falls. He enjoyed working with the Special Olympics and other organizations that involved youth. Gary is survived bu his wife Pam, six children, Paul (Julie) Reif, Luverne; Traci (Mike Blachford) Sherman, Hendricks, MN; Joe Reif, Luverne; Timothy (Brandi) Abell, Alexandria, MN; John (Lana) Virkus, Sioux Falls, SD; Chris Virkus, Luverne; two sisters, Cheryl (Lee) Peterson, Cottage Grove, MN; Cheri Halburg, Newport, MN; two brothers, Terry (Gerri) Abell, Newport, MN; Rick (Pat) Abell, Hopkinsville, KY; and thirteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be made to Luverne Hospice.