Mapel Jr., Donald F.

Donald F. Mapel Jr., 76, of Lone Tree, passed away Friday, April 19, 2013, at Pioneer Park in Lone Tree. Funeral services for Donald will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lone Tree. Father Michael Spiekermeier and Carol Kaalberg, Cluster Parish coordinator, will preside. Burial will be in Lone Tree Cemetery. Following the committal services at the cemetery, a time of food and fellowship will be held in St. Mary's Church parish hall. Visitation for Don will be Tuesday, April 23, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Sorden-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services in Lone Tree.

Donald F. Mapel Jr. was born Jan. 25, 1937, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Donad F. Mapel Sr. and Loretta Gerot. He was a 1954 graduate of Columbus Junction High School. On Sept. 10, 1960, he was united in marriage to Janet Bugg at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Iowa City.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lone Tree, Johnson County Beef Producers, FFA Leadership Program, and was a past president of the Lone Tree Chamber of Commerce. During high school, he was active in FFA and 4-H.

Don was a herdsman and showed cattle in many states. Don shared his showmanship skills of cattle with young people. Don farmed for many years in the Lone Tree area. Don sought the challenge of starting new business enterprises which included a family cafe, sales of feed, agriculture seed, short line and John Deere equipment.

His trucking business, Utah Enterprises LLC, brought him the most satisfaction and he missed it greatly. He took pride in hauling seed commodities for Syngenta Seeds Inc.

Don enjoyed working, playing golf, collecting model tractors, and above all else, he loved any time spent with his family. Don also shared a love of music and dancing with his wife, Janet.

Don will be deeply missed by his wife, Janet of Lone Tree; his daughter, Kim Mapel of Des Moines; one sister, Rose Mary Matthews of Adams, Wis.; one brother, Mike Mapel and his wife, Cindy, of Riverside; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews. Miss Morgan, his four-legged pal, is at a loss without him and generous treats he shared.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Donna, in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Don.

Online condolences for the Mapel family may be sent to www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Published April 22, 2013 in The Gazette