Donels, Dennis A.

Dennis A. Donels, 65, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sept. 3, 2011, in his home following a sudden illness. A gathering to celebrate Dennis' life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann Donels; his stepchildren, Michael (Jenny) Slagle of Overland Park, Kan., Ron (Bambi) Slagle of Marion and Doug (Brenda) Slagle of Marion; his biological children, Jeff Donels, Kris Ross, Kim Earhart and Troy Donels; his siblings, Richard (Becky) Donels of Cedar Rapids, Stanley (Donna) Donels of Cedar Rapids, Dean (Norm Hatcher) Donels of Clarence, Dwayne (Yvonne) Donels of Manchester and Joan (Bob) Jewett of Duncan, S.C.; his seven grandchildren; and his three best friends, Denny Becker, Troy Vanourney and John Clouse.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dennis Albert Donels was born Jan. 18, 1946, in Urbana, Iowa, the son of Leon and Frances (Albert) Donels. He was united in marriage to Mary Howrey on Oct. 23, 1989, in Cedar Rapids. He was employed at MidAmerican Energy, where he enjoyed his 33 years as a serviceman.

He enjoyed old cars and time with family, friends and anyone he could chat with. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Turkey Federation. His greatest enjoyment was his beloved grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dennis' honor may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Dennis' family on the Web page,  under Obituaries.

Published Sept. 4, 2011, in The Gazette