Bernard A. "Bernie" Wabel

Mr. Bernard A. "Bernie" Wabel, age 78, of Ocean Springs, MS. passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2011, in Ocean Springs. Mr. Wabel was born in Peoria, IL. where he was a longtime resident until moving to Ocean Springs nine years ago. He was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a graduate at Bradley University in Peoria. He was employed with Caterpillar Inc. for 37 years working as a design engineer. Mr. Wabel was an active volunteer with the American Red Cross and volunteered as an ambassador for retirees with HCDC. He was also a member of the American Legion and the First Baptist Church of Biloxi. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Boyer. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Vivian Wabel, three sons, Ralph (Karleen) Wabel of Perkinston, MS., Jeffrey B (Bambi) Wabel of Marquette Heights, IL., and Steven B. (Jacquie) Wabel of Pekin, IL., brother, Alan (Patricia) Wabel of CA., seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Saturday, July 30, 2011, from 4 pm until 6 pm, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Peoria, IL.