Story posted Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Founding Father Of St. Thomas Becket Passes Away
Harry E. Tabel, 81, of Mt. Prospect, a founding father of St. Thomas Becket Church in Mt. Prospect, died on June 11 in California. Tabel was active in the church and recently helped celebrate its 40th anniversary.
He was a board member of Candy Production Club of Chicago, a member of American Association of Candy Technologists, a member of 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Fr. Stroot Council, Des Plaines Elks Club and a member of The American Legion. Tabel was in the candy business. He was a Bell Flavoring salesman for 50 years.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; children, Pat Slusser, Sue (Galen) Winchip, Ron and Brian (Teresa); stepfather of Edward (Denise) Minarik, Michael Minarik and Greg (Karen Gibson) Minarik; grandfather of 15; great grandfather of 4; brother of William (Doris) and the late Richard (Jeannine).
Simkins Funeral Home in Morton Grove handled the arrangements. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, June 20 at St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church in Mt. Prospect. Interment was at All Saints Cemetery.
"My dad was a very devout Catholic. He gave us a strong religious background. When he lived in Mt. Prospect and Des Plaines, St. Thomas Becket was just being founded," said Brian Tabel from his home in California. "He wanted to get involved, so he gave money and helped raise money to build the structure."
Tabel lived in Mt. Prospect for 40 years, according to his son. When he lived in Skokie, he joined the Des Plaines Elks Club.
"He loved to play golf and he actually played a week before he passed away. He was very active," said his son. "He also loved boating and was a Cubs and Bears fan."
When his children and step-children needed advice, he would say, "just be yourself. Don't try to be someone else."
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