Obituary of Donn M. Gaebelein

Donn Medd Gaebelein Rock Stream: Donn Medd Gaebelein passed away peacefully in his home on October 9, 2024, at the age of ninety-six. He was born July 12, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY to Frank Ely Gaebelein and Dorothy (Medd) Gaebelein. Donn graduated from The Stony Brook School, Stony Brook, NY in 1945, from Princeton University in 1949, and then obtained the master's degree from Columbia University. He married the love of his life, Norma Louise Allen. Their devoted seventy-two-year marriage inspired all those who knew them. Donn yearned to be with his pre-deceased wife, Norma and daughter, Paula Seligson, and is now in the eternal embrace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Donn was noble in character and humble by nature. A deeply committed Christian, serving Jesus Christ was the main focus of his personal and professional life. Among his long distinguished career in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator, Donn served as Headmaster and President of two premier private college preparatory schools for more than thirty years. His leadership always was in humble service to others. The number of students and colleagues who regarded him as a mentor are legion. As Head of School, Donn was a realist and strategic thinker, with an eye to the future. As Headmaster of The Stony Brook School, Donn steered the School through the turbulent 1960s, increased diversity, and oversaw the inclusion of young women with co-education. In Atlanta, Georgia, as President of The Westminster Schools, he actively promoted a diverse staff, faculty, and student body. A substantial endowment was established, and physical plant improved. In his retirement, Donn served as treasurer of The Rock Stream Presbyterian Church and oversaw the Rock Stream Cemetery. Up to the day he passed, Donn began every day in devotions. He was a lifelong reader and scholar of scripture, literature, history, and current events. Just days before he passed, he recited, from memory, stanzas of his favorite poem, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray. As an avid sports lover, baseball and golf were his passions. He was a lifelong scratch golfer; at age ninety he shot a 78 at The Willow Creek Golf Course. He was a great and good man, and will be dearly missed. Donn is survived by his daughter Laura Mantius (Peter), son Thad Gaebelein (Elektra), and son Frank Gaebelein, former daughter-in-law, Monika Gaebelein, eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Those who wish to remember Donn in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Food Bank of Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue, Elmira, NY 14903, (607) 796-6061. Services will be held at the convenience of the family next summer. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY; Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.