Wesley L Gaab's Obituary
WESLEY L GAAB, AGE 99, PASSED AWAY ON SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023. Wesley was born in Independence on July 9, 1924, the son of Lenny and Mina Gaab. He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Walker, on June 5, 1948, and enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Wes has two children, Judy and Jeff, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and four great great-grandchildren.
Wes graduated from Independence High School in 1942 and was drafted into the Army. After Infantry Basic Training, he was selected for Army Specialized Training where he studied engineering at Syracuse University and the University of Illinois. He fought in World War II in Europe as a member of the 104th Infantry Division (the Timberwolves), where he received three European Theater Battle Stars for major offenses in France, Holland, and Germany. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Soldier's Medal and the Silver Star.
Wes earned a B.S. Degree in Liberal Arts in Biology, a B.S. in Education in Biological Science, and a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Kent State University. He began his teaching career at Independence High School. He also taught in Parma at Schaff Junior High, and was principal of Hillside Junior High, Greenbriar Junior High and Normandy High School. He was the first principal at the new Normandy High School and brought many innovative programs to the school in his fourteen years there.
Wes has received many awards. He was named the Outstanding University Supervisor from Ohio as a member of the faculty of Kent State University which was given by the Ohio Association of Teacher Educators in 2000. In April 2010 Wes was honored as one of rhe inaugural inductees to the Normandy High School Hall of Fame. He was also honored on May 6, 2010 by the Independence Historical Society with a Historical Evening Banquet and tribute at the Independence Civic Center.
Wes has served the City of Independence and the Independence Historical Society for many years, writing "Historically Speaking" for the City newsletter, conducting bus tours of Independence, and sharing his fond memories and knowledge of Independence a town he truly loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Church.
FRIENDS MAY CALL AT VODRAZKA FUNERAL HOME 6505 BRECKSVILLE RD (1/2 mile south of Rockside) on Friday, July 21 from 1 - 4 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Catholic Church, Independence, on Saturday, July 22 at 10 AM. Interment with military honors at St. Lawrence Cemetery.
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