Michael "Mickey" Ray Gabbert, 72, of Elgin, SC, died Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Born on October 26, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the son of the late Floyd Raymond and Mabel LaVada Barrow Gabbert. Mickey was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from North High School in 1965. After high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force and honorably served his country from 1967-1971. Following his enlistment, he attended Metropolitan Community College, where he earned his Associate Degree. In 2010, Mickey would graduate from Aurora University with his Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership. He worked for more than 30 years in healthcare, managing AODA Programs in the Milwaukee Metro area. On August 1, 1978 Mickey became a friend of Bill W. and cherished that relationship for the rest of his life. Mickey spent over 42 years of his life helping others recover from alcoholism.

Mickey married Sandra "Sandy" Kay Lippert Gabbert on June 30, 1984 and celebrated 35 wonderful years together. He is also survived by his 3 children, Kevin Gabbert (Aletha) of Johnston, IA, Jennifer Gabbert of Des Moines, IA, and Carrie Gabbert of Brooklyn, NY. Mickey was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Amanda Carr (Michael), Brandon Gabbert, Cassidy Gabbert, Makayla Gibbens (Dale), Seth Noble, Joseph Noble; 2 great-grandchildren, Kylie and Leah Carr; as well as his brothers, Dr. Charles C. Gabbert (Carol) of Coto de Caza, CA and Gene Tornquist (Diana) of Ankeny, IA.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date at Mitchellville Cemetery, Mitchellville, IA. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC, is assisting the family and will announce future plans.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Froedtert Hospital, Head and Neck Cancer Research, 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53226 or to Chuck's Pizza, Raise the Roof Fund, by visiting chucksdsm.com