Brogla, Donald R.

Donald R. Brogla, 85, Coralville, died Sunday, August 16, 2009, at Windmill Manor in Coralville.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City. (Sunday parking ordinance will be in effect for the streets around the church.) Burial with military honors will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City where a parish vigil service will be held at 7 p.m.

Donald Raymond Brogla was born October 22, 1923, in Cosgrove, the son of Elmer and Alma (Brennan) Brogla. Following graduation from Iowa City St. Mary's High School in 1943, he enlisted with the Merchant Marines, where he served until 1970. Don was united in marriage to Margaret L. Yoder on November 12, 1959 in Cedar Rapids. In 1972 Don and Margaret built the Sunset Motel on First Avenue in Coralville which they owned and operated until 1994 when they retired. He was a member of St. Mary's Church, the American Legion, and former member of the Elks Club.

Don enjoyed life, loved his golf game, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, spending time with family and friends, and working hard at whatever he set his mind to.

His family includes his wife, Margaret; sons, David Brogla of Iowa City, and Michael Brogla of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Tyler, Lindsay, and Courtney Brogla; and one brother, Paul Brogla of Grand Junction, Colo.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bernard Brogla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Iowa Hospice or the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be sent for Don's family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Donald's family and his services.