Christopher McCabe, 85

Christopher “Chris” James Ambrose McCabe, 85, died Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.

Chris was born in Alexandria on August 12, 1926, the son of Dr. John A. and Elizabeth (Ginther) McCabe. He grew up for many years in Alexandria and then moved to St. Paul when his father died.

He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and learned the trade of photography. Chris served in the South Pacific and was assigned to the Seabees. He was a Naval photographer and photographed, among other things, Japanese war crimes and was assigned to taking photos of General MacArthur, Admiral Nimitz and others. He was fortunate enough to see virtually every large and small island in the Pacific Ocean and photographed Bikini Atoll before the atom bomb was tested on the island.

Upon Chris’ honorable discharge, he took a job as a photographer at Vernon Studios in Alexandria. It was during that time in Alexandria that he met Bobette Dittberner and the couple was united in marriage on September 22, 1949. Chris was called back into the military service during the Korean Conflict but was fortunate to serve that time stateside in Jacksonville, Florida.

When he returned to Alexandria, he and his brother, John, opened the McCabe Brothers Camera Shop in the early 1950s and operated it as a team until the 1980s. Chris continued to operate the store and eventually sold it to his son, Patrick, who operated the business until 2002. The McCabe Camera, Cards and Gift store served the area for approximately 50 years.

Chris was an active part of Alexandria. He served on the Alexandria Fire Department for 19 years and was also an Alexandria city councilman. Chris was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Knights of Columbus. Upon retirement, Chris enjoyed going to the library where he would pick up seven books and would read one book a day. He also enjoyed duck hunting, deer hunting, grouse hunting and pheasant hunting. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Bobette McCabe of Alexandria; sons, Patrick McCabe of Parkers Prairie, Mark (Becky) McCabe of Alexandria, Thomas McCabe of Parkers Prairie, John (Deanna) McCabe of Alexandria, Jim McCabe of Alexandria, and Paul (Cindy) McCabe of Kailua, HI; daughter, Julie (Karl) Goehring of Moorhead; grandchildren, Angela Krogstad, Branden McCabe, Travis McCabe, Nicholas McCabe, Josh McCabe, Kristen Berg, Alissa McCabe, Nathan McCabe, Kali McCabe, Riley McCabe, Gillian McCabe-Wilson, Acacia McCabe, BriAnna McCabe, Olivia McCabe, Madeline McCabe, Isabel McCabe, Molly McCabe, Tarah Goehring, Seth Goehring, and Erin Goehring. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Tanner, Skyler, Brycen, Brayden, Brody, Ensley, Lola, Kolton and Audrey.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John; sisters, Mary Kelly and Lois Anderson; and daughter-in-law, Mary Kay McCabe.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, April 2 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Entombment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum with the Alexandria Fire Department Honor Guard serving as pallbearers. Chris’ children served as honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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