Rabel Fred Newkirk
Rabel Fred Newkirk, 100, of Seymour, Indiana passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024. He was born August 14, 1923 in Seymour, Indiana, to Edward Louis and Emma Marie Borgman Newkirk.
He was educated at Immanuel Lutheran School and Seymour High School. He served in the U.S. Army 359th infantry for four campaigns in the European theatre of operations during World War II. During this time in the U.S. Army, he received the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. Rabel earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. He taught in the Lutheran School system for 37 years before retiring. After retirement, he was on the braille committee for 15 years at Immanuel making braille books for young children. Rabel had many joys in his life including cross-country skiing, backpacking, traveling, card playing, gardening and deer hunting. He and his wife, Ruth loved to dance together, especially the waltz and polka. He married Ruth Ida Pottschmidt of Brownstown, Indiana July 24, 1955 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Brownstown.
Rabel is survived by his loving wife, Ruth of 68 years and two sons, Karl F. (Cathy) Newkirk of Perry and Kurt W. (Dawna) Newkirk of Seymour; three grandchildren, Andrea, Emilee (Ian Brandt) and Jacob (Taylor) Newkirk; and a great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Rae.
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Visitation was Saturday, April 13, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S. Walnut Street, Seymour, Indiana 47274 with the Rev. Dr. Ralph Blomenberg and the Rev. James Rodriguez Jr. officiating. Concluding services with military honors were at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Burkholder Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes, 419 N. Chestnut Street, Seymour, Indiana.
Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran High School or Immanuel Lutheran School. Please share memories and condolences at www.burkholderfuneralchapel.com.