Gerald A. Abegglen, 68, of Iron Mountain, MI, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital.
Gerald was born March 29, 1943 in Milwaukee, son of the late Arthur and Beulah (Luedke) Abegglen.
He graduated with honors from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee in 1961. Gerald went on to study pre-med at the University of Milwaukee prior to getting accepted to Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. He graduated with honors from Palmer in 1966 and continued post graduate studies and research for one year. In 1967, Gerald was appointed to faculty at Palmer where he served the capacities of Associate Professor of X-ray, Director of Admissions, and was a member of the President’s Cabinet. He also traveled and lectured on the research done in X-ray interpretation. In 1974, Gerald became an associate of Dr. Bruce Franks at the Franks Chiropractic Care Center in Kingsford, MI, where he spent 25 years. He then became an associate of Dr. Peter Begres until retiring in 2003. Gerald was a longtime Elks member where he served as an officer and on the Board of Trustees. He was also a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the Upper Peninsula Chiropractors. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and woodworking.
Gerald is survived by a brother, Dr. Dennis Abegglen and his wife, Gail, of Merrill; his chosen family, Shanda Crossley, who was like a daughter to him, and her daughter, Katherine; his nephews, Robert and Richard Abegglen; his niece, Christine Flinn; and his friend, John Meister.
Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 8, at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Rev. David Anderson officiated. Burial is in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gerald’s name to the Palmer College of Chiropractic Research Foundation, 1000 Brady St. Davenport, IA 52083 attn: Development Office.
Condolences to the family of Gerald Abegglen may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.