Memorial
William (Bill) Happel, 78, of Iowa City, died Friday September 26, 2014 in the Dennis & Donna Hospice House of Mercy. A visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Memorial Services will then be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. There will be a private inurnment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Survivors include his children; Jana (Jim Anaya) Happel of Tucson, Arizona, Bill (Tami) Happel of Hiawatha, Iowa and Bob (Julie) Happel of Powell, Ohio. Also surviving is a sister, Judy (Russ) Leidigh of Goodyear, Arizona, a brother-in-law Jack Kaufman of Robins, Iowa, and his grandchildren; Andrea Anaya Happel, Emilio Anaya Happel, Kayla (Cory) Hubler, Shauna Happel, Catherine Happel, Ray Happel, and Samantha Happel. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy Kaufman.
Bill was born July 15, 1936 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Naoma (Biskup) Happel. He graduated from McKinley High School in 1954 where he was a multi-sport athlete and earned the honor of first team All-State in football. He was awarded a football scholarship at the University of Iowa where he was a three-year letter winner and member of the 1957 Rose Bowl champions. He married Kay Culver (Baty) in 1957 and remained married for 19 years. Upon graduation, Bill joined the coaching staff at the University of Iowa and coached two Big Ten championship teams, including the 1958 Rose Bowl champions. He went on to coach several other college and professional teams. Bill also worked for his family’s business, Happel & Sons farm implement dealership as well as Byers & Happel Realty. In 1987, he returned to Iowa City to manage the Byers & Happel/Iowa Realty office and partnered in several local real estate developments.
Bill loved to travel, play cards with friends, and watch his beloved Yankees, Cubs, and Hawkeyes. His 38 years of sobriety was the foundation for strong and loving relationships with his dear friends and family. He was also passionate in helping others achieve their own sobriety. Bill’s children and grandchildren were central to his life and he loved nothing more than following their activities and accomplishments. His unwavering love and support for them will remain in their hearts forever.
Memorials may be made to the Dennis & Donna Hospice House of Mercy.