Kenneth (Theophan) Joseph Sabel

January 6, 1950 – March 4, 2023

Kenneth (Theophan) Joseph Sabel of Portland, Oregon

In the early hours of March 4, 2023, Ken passed away at the VA hospital at the age of 73, after a short illness.  He was surrounded by his wife and children and lots of love and prayers.  He was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on January 6, l950, the second child of Ervin and Agnes Sabel.

Kenneth attended St. Mary’s Grade school, Sabish Middle school and L.P. Goodrich H.S.  Ken’s work ethic began having a paper route in grade school.  He played baseball and was an avid hockey player in high school with good friend, Bill McIntosh.

He graduated from high school in 1968.  He worked in his teens as a golf caddy and for a cement company.

In late 1968, he joined the Army as he was going to be drafted anyway.  He joined with his good friend, Kevin McGrath, and after boot camp they were sent to South Vietnam – where he served for a year.  Later in life he was in a documentary with two fellow soldiers, Dominic Albanese and Jim Davis, filmed in Washington, D.C., called “Memories at the Wall” at the Veteran’s Memorial Wall.

Upon returning from the service he attended community college and then joined a non-denomination order, where he met his future wife and many lifelong friends.

Ken married Carolyn Judy on January 21, l978, in Philadelphia, PA.  Their married life started on the east coast where their firstborn, Mariana, was born in College Park, MD, second daughter, Lily, was born in Indianapolis, IN, son, Nicholas, was born in Minneapolis, MN, and finally reaching the west coast their last daughter, Lizzie, was born in Milwaukie, OR.

In 1989 the whole family was baptized into the Eastern Orthodox faith at The Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie, OR, and Ken was given the name Theophan.  Soon after he became a member of the parish council and was very involved in his faith.

While the children were growing up, Ken worked as a floor-covering installer and later as a counter-top installer around the Portland area.  In Ken’s later years, and until he passed away, he worked for his good friend, Christopher Burkett, as a mat cutter and framer for Chris’ photography business.

Every summer for over 30 years the family enjoyed camping at pristine Timothy Lake near Mt. Hood.  Close friends, the extended Daily family, extended Judy family, Jacover family and Tate family, spent many wonderful hours swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and sailing.  These were very special times that are carrying on to date.

When his grandsons were born, Will, Theo, and Isaiah, he cherished them.  Playing catch, attending their sports games, family barbecues, and enjoying each one’s uniqueness were a great source of joy to him.

He was the proud father of Mariana, who began a landscape gardening business and works with her husband, Reuben.  His daughter, Lily, a long-time German deli assistant manager and now entering the medical field.  Son, Nick, is a master mechanic and continually sought after.  His last daughter, Lizzie, worked in a senior home and lastly as a barista in a natural food store.  His children and their accomplishments meant the world to him, and especially wanted them to be good, caring individuals. Ken was a great Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed many hours of games, talking sports with his brothers, Tom & Terry, and son-in-law, Nick Watt.

Ken and Carolyn loved to travel and have adventures together.  Starting in 2006, they traveled and explored, Scotland, Ireland, and continued later to Italy, Germany, Austria, Banff, and Lake Louise, Canada.  Lately they traveled to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Hawaiian Islands and more within the U.S.

They also made and bottled assorted wine for over 10 years, “Sabellini Cellars”, to share with their family and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Agnes Sabel of Fond du Lac, WI, and daughter, Elizabeth Rose Sabel of Milwaukie, OR, and sister-in-law, Susanna Dagler of Days Creek, OR.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Esther) Sabel of Portland, OR.  Daughters, Mariana (Reuben) Briggs of Portland and Lilian (Nick) Watt of Portland and survived by his son, Nicholas Sabel, of Portland, and deceased daughter, Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen Bailey, of Milwaukie, OR.  He leaves his beloved grandsons, William and Theodore Watt and Isaiah Briggs of Portland, OR.

Ken is survived by his brother, Tom (Colleen) Sabel, sister Sue (Jim) Thielitz, both of Fond du Lac, WI, and brother, Terry (Laurie) Sabel of Beaver Dam, WI, nieces and nephews: Kelly, Gina, Tracy, Jeff, and Allyssa & Matt of Wisconsin.

He is also survived by brother and sisters-in-law, Don and Susan Judy, Milwaukie, OR, Alan and Margaret Judy of Willits, CA, Dean and Kristy Judy of Santa Rosa, CA, and David Dagler of Days Creek, OR, and sister-in-law Pat Cockrell, of Mitchell, NC. Nieces and nephews: Angela Judy, Dan Judy and Ryan Hayes of Santa Rosa, CA, Joe, Phil and Greta of Raleigh area, NC, Zac Cockrell of Kentucky, Nolan and Leon Dagler of Portland and Katy Larkins, Alexis and Amelia

Judy of the Portland, OR, area.  Ken also leaves behind many, many wonderful life-long friends and newfound friends, goddaughters and godsons.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 10, at 11:00 AM at the Church of The Annunciation, 13515 S.E. Rusk Road, Milwaukie, OR. 97222 – Followed by a graveside service at Adams Cemetery, Molalla, OR.

The family gives special thanks to our priest and his wife, Fr. Matthew and Mat. Theresa Tate and our very giving church members, for all their help and prayers.

Also, a big thank you to the doctors, nurses, and aides at the VA hospital in Portland for the very caring, compassionate work they do.