Cindy Gabel

Cindy Lea Gabel, 61, of Montezuma, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, March 5, 2026, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

Born on August 24, 1964, in Davenport, Iowa, to Kenton Dea Capper and Vera (Windman) Capper Rogers, Cindy grew up attending Montezuma Community School and remained close to her siblings throughout her life. She first married Larry Joe Mateer Jr., with whom she had two children, Jessy and Brandy. After their divorce, she met Mick Gabel at a roller-skating rink in Ottumwa. They married on October 15, 1994, at the Taintor United Methodist Church, and she lovingly welcomed his four children—Melody, Joel, Erick, and Amanda—into her heart and home.

Cindy devoted herself to being a full-time mother, nurturing her growing family and cherishing time with her grandchildren. She found joy in roller skating, creating and selling jewelry, cooking—especially her beloved French toast—and spending time outdoors. She had a deep affection for cats and took pride in her Jeep “GI JANE” and her Mustang. For more than 27 years, she faithfully attended the What Cheer Flea Market alongside Mick, helping set up and ensuring every detail was perfect. A woman of faith, she was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Oskaloosa and more recently attended Community Hope Church in Montezuma.

She is survived by her husband, Mick Gabel of Montezuma; her children, Jessy (Staci Kruseman) Mateer and Brandy Mateer, both of Oskaloosa; Mick’s children, Melody (Chris) Beaman of Eldridge, Texas, Joel (Crystal) Gabel of San Marcos, Texas, Erick (Jennifer) Gabel of Ottumwa, and Amanda (Chris) Caya of Boscobel, Wisconsin; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three siblings, Drent Capper, Sherry (Mike) Nilson, and Yanette (Dale) Graham; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lori Duggan.