Donna Lee Happel

DONNA LEE HAPPEL

Cedar Rapids

Donna Lee Happel, 86, daughter of Benjamin and Rhoda Zimmerman, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Jan. 29, 2019. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, starting at 2 p.m., with a visitation one hour before the service at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.

Born on Feb. 20, 1932, Donna married the love of her life, Kenneth Happel, at Bethany Lutheran Church on July 22, 1951.

Ken and Donna were blessed with a lifetime of memories and happiness through their seven children, Gary Happel (Jo), Rick Happel, Rod Happel (Cindy), Stacy Nolan (Mark), Kendall Happel (Conni), Tom Happel (Laurie) and Brenda DeCamp (Bob), 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Donna also leaves behind her cherished memory to a brother-in-law, Jim Happel; as well as several close friends and extended family.

Donna's first love and passion was always her family. Her kindness, warmth and smile made family gatherings feel a little bit like Heaven. Donna was very active in Bethany Lutheran Church, contributing to the choir as well as Sunday School Service teaching. Donna enjoyed a 25-year career at Northwest Bell before retiring to enjoy more time with friends and family.

To love, and to be loved, is the greatest joy on Earth. Donna lived an abundantly joyous life. There is peace knowing she is in God's care now, reunited with those she has loved and lost.

The memory of Donna Happel would not be complete without the family extending our deepest heart-felt gratitude to Comfort Care and UnityPoint Hospice, whose exceptional care of Donna during her final months provided both peace and grace in her passing.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.