Wesley L Gaab

Birth date: Jul 9, 1924 Death date: Jul 15, 2023

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 ye Read Obituary

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Vodrazka Funeral Home

6505 Brecksville Rd, Independence OH 44131

Patricia Lupica

68w ago

Mr. Gaab was a wonderful principal at NHS. He made an effort to get to know students and he always treated me with respect. He welcomed and valued my opinions. Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Mr. Gaab made me feel happy. And I loved that he made arrangements for our class to graduate on the Blossom Music Center stage! Rest in peace dear Mr. Gaab. Patty Lupica class of 1983

Troy Ray

141w ago

I am an English teacher at Kenston High School. I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching at Kent State in the early 90's. Wes was my field supervisor. He watched me teach during my student teaching. His support and contagious optimism were invaluable. I could not have had a better supervisor. He helped shape me as a young teacher, most importantly in attitude. After 30 years teaching, I still love working with high school students, expect difficulties, and expect to overcome them all, in part due to Wes.
Yes, Wes was a kind and optimistic person, but under that portion of his personality, I always sensed a layer of steel. He was a confident man in who he was, and in terms of right and wrong.
His influence on me lives in my teaching, over 3,500 students now. That's saying something.
Lastly, Wes and I shared a love for BEAGLES! He loved beagles! I have one now, Thurston Howler the 1st.
I thought of Wes many times over the years, fondly. I am sorry for his loss.

Troy Ray

Linda Baznik

141w ago

Mr. Gaab was a motivational principal who could pull the school together. Every morning he greeted us in a most enthusiastic voice, ‘Hey kids. . .’
Linda Jurlina Baznik ‘74 Normandy

Tom Andel

141w ago

As a lifetime Independence resident and neighbor to the Kurtz family, I knew Wes best as Uncle to my best friends. But as I grew older and took on more responsibilities, Wes became more a model of what it means to serve. I got to know him better when he served as an usher at church. An usher guides people to their destination, and I now realize after hearing Tom's eulogy of Uncle Wes that Wes was an usher by how he lived--leading people by example when leadership is needed most (in times of war and peace). When I became an usher at St. Michael I occasionally relied on Wes to fill a gap on our team when a fellow usher didn't show up. As a historian, Wes knew better than anybody that the greatest contributor to success is showing up. The Holy Spirit takes over from there. That same spirit has ushered Wes to the reward awaiting all who show up for a living. God bless, Wes and his family--from the Andels of Independence: Tom, Maryann, Matt & Marty

Nancy Sedlak

141w ago

My heartfelt condolences to Judy and Jeff. Jeff was my classmate in Normandy's Class of '74. Your dad was an incredible principal and a very nice man! My mom always loved attending the parent breakfasts he'd host, which gave a half dozen parents a chance to ask him questions or make suggestions in an intimate setting. That's but another example of how personable and approachable he was. I am so glad that I got to talk with him and take a picture with him at our 35th class reunion.

Mary Laptiuk Pierce

142w ago

Mr. Gaab taught my mom drivers Ed (Independence high school ‘53) and he was my principal (Normandy ‘75). This obituary made me to admire him even more. What a remarkable man!

Debbie (Kluk)Meeks

142w ago

My sincere condolences to his family and friends 💐 Mr. Gaab was my principal at Normandy “1971”

Julie Weingartner

142w ago

I was in the first graduating class to attend Normandy all three years (1971) -- when high school was only 10th-12th grades. We all loved and respected Mr. Gaab tremendously. That was a very turbulent time in our country and Mr.Gaab was a source of stability for a bunch of crazy teenagers. I can still picture him standing in the hallway smiling and greeting the students. He was a wonderful man who lived a long and wonderful life, and he leaves behind a great legacy.
Julie (Harpootlian) Weingartner
Normandy class of '71

Sue Urban

142w ago

How I enjoyed being with Wes. He sponsored me for trustee in the Historical Society and I video-taped him for a CD of his Independence tour & at other events. He was such a wonderful person, historian and those of us who knew him are greatly enriched by his knowledge of Independence and his friendship. Sue Urban

Rogef Carpdnter

142w ago

I must of done at least 25 tour of independence as his personal driver for City of independence We always had a blast especially him sitting on a stool in the middle of the aisle and me telling him to hold on Roger Carpenter

CARED FOR BY

Vodrazka Funeral Home

6505 Brecksville Rd, Independence OH 44131

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