Arthur L. Grabeel

Arthur L. Grabeel, 68, a resident of Destin, Florida and formerly of Eldridge, Iowa died on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at his home after “kicking cancer’s rear” for 16 years.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Friday, May 19, 2006 at the Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Art was born on January 15, 1938 in Flagstaff, Arizona to Loyal & Cecil (La Porte) Grabeel. He graduated from the University of New Mexico, Las Cruces in 1969 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
He moved his family to Eldridge, Iowa and worked for the Oscar Mayer Company in Davenport, Iowa, retiring in 1995 after 24 years of employment. In 2003, he made his home in Destin, Florida where he could enjoy a beautiful view of the gulf.
Art spent his days keeping in touch with family and friends and making new friends with the waiters and waitresses at the local restaurants that he frequented. He enjoyed his morning coffee clutch and his daily encounters with his many friends at Surfside.
Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Bonnet Jones of Long Grove, Iowa and her children, Nikki, Chris, Jessica & Alex; his daughter, Robin Smith of Taylor Ridge, Illinois and her children, Joshua, Jeremie, Kira, Kadmiel, Zechariah & Gabrielle; his son, Jack Grabeel & his children, Cami, Jackson, Chelsey & Hunter; and his sister, Dallas Wright of Cottonwood, Arizona.
Art was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Hancock; and by his parents.
The family extends a special thanks to the wonderful people of Hospice of the Emerald Coast in Crestview, Florida and their love, care & concern during Art’s final days.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Art’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.