Louis Michael “Mike the Monk” Gabse was reunited with his ancestors on Monday, October 1, 2018. He was born on January18, 1944 to Louis Walter Gabse and Mary Margaret (Connelly) Gabse. He attended St. Helena Grade School and graduated from Cathedral High School. It was in these years that Mike was encouraged to follow his creative and artistic talents. He also attended Carroll College, Montana State College, and the University of Montana. While in Missoula, he managed the Heidelhaus and went on to own and operate The Monk’s Cave. Mike was known for his many stories and was more than willing to bend the ears of his friends and family.
He is survived by his children Wolfgang Gabse (Natasha), Mercedes Sheldon (Albert), Morgan Walt (David); his former wife, Deborah Gabse; and his grandchildren Johan Gabse, Stasja Gabse, Dominik Gabse, Quint Sheldon, and Adrianna Walt. He is also survived by his sister Maureen Shawver; his niece, Deborah Voetberg; his nephews Michael Cozzetti (Lida), Sean Shawver (Janeen) and Kevin Shawver; and his cousins Patricia Hilger, Patricia Banach (Dennis), and Noreen Raynor. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his sister Barbara Lee (Gabse) Bensen, and cousins Thomas Connelly, Jerry Connelly, and Colleen (Connelly) Lordemann.
Mike was known in his 20s and 30s for his stylish attire, cars, Dobermans, and interest in the arts, especially painting and photography. After meeting Deb and starting a family, Mike spent his 40s and 50s focused on raising their three children and taking care of the household and vehicles. He shared his passion for cars with life-long friends and passed it on to his children.
