Michael Gabriel

Michael Anthony Gabriel, of Boonville, Ia., died unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, at IMMC in DM, IA on Tuesday, 1/19/2016, at the age of 72.

Michael is survived by his children, Anthony Jay Gabriel, Andrea Renae Simpson & Raphelle Angelic Gabriel; grandchildren, Cory Michael Simpson, Randi Simpson, Danielle White, Liam Gabriel & two other granddaughters ages 7 & 4; and several great grandchildren; sister, Stephanie Eileen Higgins; niece, Roxanne Aubrey; nephews, Shawn Aubrey, Michael Whyte & Randy Higgins.

Most importantly, he left behind his pets. 2 dogs; Majic, his beloved German Shephard & Scoobie, an obnoxious fat Jack Russel. Also 2 cats; 16 yr. old Mage, his lap warmer & Two-Shoes, the barn “mouser”.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Frank “Gotto” Gabriel; Mother, Mary Francis O’Conner; sister, Sonia Deion Maney & nephew, Sean Smith Gabriel.

Michael was born on 6/29/43, in DM, IA to “Gotto” Gabriel & Mary Francis O’Conner. During his grade school years, Michael was an altar boy at Sunday Mass. After attending the old Boys Dowling High school, Michael joined the Military Service with the Marine Corps. He was given a Dishonorable Discharge for being too mean. Michael returned to DM & joined with his father, beginning his career in the bar business. He managed his father’s bar, Gotto’s Hideaway Lounge & later his own, the Gaslight Lounge.

Michael lived his life to the fullest, knowing no boundaries or limits. Michael was quite the lady’s man, with his smooth talking & charming ways having several woman during his lifetime. Michael said he loved all woman. He loved the way they looked and loved the way they smelled.

Then there were those who captured his heart. Lorraine Major, from Canada, the mother of his son, Tony. They met while she was a cocktail waitress at Gotto’s Lounge. Mary Linda Maldonado, mother of his daughter, Andrea. They met while she was working 2 doors down from bar as a beautician at the Villa Capri. Deborah was Mike’s 1st wife & mother of his daughter, Raphelle. Patricia Ann Jones, known as “Princess” was Mike’s 2nd wife.

In 1980, Michael decided the bar business just wasn’t paying the bills. So Michael along with 4 of his best friends from the DM area, pulled off what was known at that time as the largest Jewelry Heist ever committed in US history. The total was said to be near 1.5 million. A book was written about “The Boys” named “THE GANG THEY COULDN’T CATCH”, detailing the story of America’s greatest modern-day bank robbers. Once released from prison, Michael returned to the DM area. He had decided that the easy money just wasn’t worth it anymore & that he had better start actually working for a living. He had said that he didn’t want to do any more time, so he had better not be doing anymore crime.

Michael joined the Iron Workers Local 67. He danced around on the high beams for 16 years before retiring. He lived out at Clearwater Beach in a double wide trailer for many years. You could always find him watching the swimmers with his binoculars from his deck. Right across the lake was “Beach Girl’s” Strip Club he managed for Jack. The job suited him well!

Michael was to spend the rest of his years at his home in Boonville, Iowa. He loved to sit on his front porch drinking his beer with his best friend, Bobby Ellis, shoot’n the crap, enjoying the peace and quiet, while he watched his dogs run around and play. Mike had a huge heart for animals and took in every stray that came along. He loved all his animals and took better care of them than he did his self. Especially his latest partner in crime, his beloved Majic, who never left his side. With his blue eyes & grin from ear to ear, Mike easily made friends wherever he went. He frequently joined his friends at the Cummins Tap & the Waveland Booneville Bar. He’d belly up to the bar to drink his beer & Scotch as he told stories of the “good ol’days”, while Majic patiently waited right outside the door….

At the end of the day we are thankful that God, our father is a merciful God. His mercies are new everyday. Rest in peace Michael and enjoy your reunion with all your family members who have gone before you. We will miss you and love you!

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines with a time of sharing to be held at 6:00 p.m.

Please join the family in toast for a benefit in Michael’s honor held at the Waveland Tap in Booneville. Please check back for dates and time with Andrea Simpson at #515-314-7972.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to defer funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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