Gabriel (Gabe) A. Verstraete , 81, of Surprise, AZ passed away on Thursday, August 28 surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. A Celebration of Life memorial was held at his home for friends in the Phoenix area. A Memorial Mass will be held at Christ The King Church, Moline, IL, 11 AM October 18, 2025, with internment following at St. Mary Cemetery, East Moline. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial services will be live streamed on Christ the King's Facebook page. Services are being arranged by Van Hoe Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to The Parkinson's Foundation, Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9902.

Gabe was born in Tielt, Belgium, and immigrated to the United States with his Father, Valere I. Verstraete and his Mother, Elisabeth M. Verstraete in 1949 at the age of 5. He met his wife, Mary Katherine (Kay) Wagner, on a blind date while in college. They married on April 1,1967 at St. Mary Church in Iowa City, IA. Together they enjoyed traveling the world visiting all seven continents and 100 different countries.

Gabe attended St. Anne Grade School, Alleman High School, graduated St. Ambrose College and completed a Masters Degree at Western Illinois University. He was a life long educator at multiple levels and completed his career at United Township High School Area Career Center as Director. Gabe originated several successful grant initiatives as School-to-Work programs, which assisted deserving students with a college credits and job opportunities. On two occasions, he received state level awards presented by the Governors of Illinois for his School-to-Work programs. Gabe and Kay firmly believe in the importance of education, so sponsor scholarships for worthy first generation students from United Township High School to complete a four year degree. He and his wife also provide an endowed scholarship for St. Ambrose University students and support the growth and development of his Alma Mater, St. Ambrose University.

As an avid bicycle athlete, Gabe logged 193,000 miles during his lifetime. He bicycled across the country, but loved the open country roads in the midwest the best. With Kay, they owned and operated TOGIR Tours (The Other Great Iowa Ride) for several years making lifelong friends along the way.

Survivors include his wife, Kay, of 58 years; his daughter, Christine Vogensen; son-in-law, Todd; grandson, Ben; brother-in-law, James R. Wagner and his wife, Diana M. Gabe was preceded in death by his parents, Valere and Elisabeth, and his in-laws, Orville and Mary Wagner.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com.