Gary Allan Happel

Gary Allan Happel

Cedar Rapids

Gary Allan Happel, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, known more affectionately to his friends and family as simply, “Hap” (pronounced Hop, spelled Hap), died on October 24, 2024, from injuries sustained in a tragic accident. At the time of his death, Hap was engaging in two of his most cherished pastimes; spending time with his wife, JoEllen, and listening to some of his favorite music.

Hap was born to Kenneth and Donna Happel on November 14, 1951. He was the oldest of Ken and Donna’s 7 children; Gary (JoEllen), Rick Happel (Deb), Rod Happel (Cindy), Stacy Nolan (Mark), Kendall

Happel (Conni), Brenda DeCamp (Bob), Tom Happel (Laurie). Hap had close relationships and fond reflections of his grandparents, Benjamin and Rhoda Zimmerman, and Albert and Ruth Happel. His ability to recall stories and childhood memories of his time spent with them kept their spirit alive and their memory as close as the next family gathering.

After graduating from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 1969, Hap was drafted into the United States Army. His draft number was #11, and that number would have increased significance later in his life with the birth of his second son, born on 11/11. Hap served his country proudly during the Vietnam war, including time spent abroad in Germany. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the military, Hap would spend his professional career with two companies in Cedar Rapids. He spent over 20 years as a Steel Fabricator and Union Steward for LeFebure, and once they closed their doors in Iowa, he spent the final 20 years of his career as a Material Handler for the Gazette. In his entire career, Hap called in sick to work one time – when he had herniated a disc in his back – and his wife found him in the driveway trying to crawl to work. At home or at work, nobody was more dedicated to their responsibilities than Hap.

Hap lived life with a passion and intensity that was unmatched. For most of his adult life, Hap could be found on the softball fields of Iowa, either playing 16” softball or coaching his son’s teams. He held special places in his heart for Interstate Batteries and Stover Publishing, two teams that were closer to family than friends. Not a summer went by when Hap did not find every live music venue in Linn County to support. Until his final days, you could still hear him in his basement on lead vocals and the harmonica from time to time, reliving his days as frontman of the band, Shades of Blue. Hap was not much of a traveler, but his favorite destination was always St. Louis, where he would go almost annually to support his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

Hap was a storyteller and energetic magnet of comedy and fond reflection. He was a poet when life needed uplifting, and he was as good at Jeopardy as about anyone. He loved a clean-looking yard, and he always took care of those in his neighborhood who needed help. If there is any solace to be found in his passing, it lay within knowing Hap is now reunited with several of his close friends (Mouse, LD, Shanny, Chop, Larry Lawrence) who had passed before him. Wherever they are – there is a party going on.

Hap was the proud father of two sons, Scott Happel (Jen) and Benjamin Happel. He would travel to Denver with JoEllen to spend time with Scott and Jen and support Scott’s thriving business ventures (The Oriental Theatre, HQ, and The Delorean) – all independent venues which promote live music and entertainment. Hap and Benjamin shared their love for 16” softball and would often be seen walking their pack of dogs around Cedar Rapids, or cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. One of the greatest joys of Hap’s life was welcoming his grandson, Benny Happel, into the world on January 20, 2023. On a weekly basis Hap and Benny would take walks, read books, and laugh until they fell asleep for a nap together. The last time I saw my father’s eyes, he was blowing his grandson a kiss goodbye. That moment will play on repeat in my mind for the rest of my life.

On February 4, 1978, Gary Allan Happel married the love of his life, JoEllen Myers. For 46 years, they shared the beautiful array of emotions and experiences that life has to offer. They raised two sons and enjoyed immensely their time together with their grandson. There are few things I know to be more definitively true than how much my father loved my mother. He valued her loyalty and honesty beyond the expression of words. Their time spent with each other was simple, yet so incredibly valuable. They found the joy in dinner on the town, live music, time with cherished friends, or the occasional vacation. They were truly one another’s best friend. Their 40th wedding anniversary was celebrated with a trip to St. Lucia, the rare occasion where Hap would exit the continental 48. During his final days with us, my mother never left his side. She was holding his hand when he passed away, as “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor softly played in the background. It was a beautiful ending to an incredibly blessed and impactful life.

Hap was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Donna, along with many other friends and family. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a grandson, his siblings, many beloved nieces and nephews, his uncle Jim Happel, and many lifelong friends and extended family members.

There will be a visitation at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, 4200 1st Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids, from 1-4 PM on Sunday, November 3, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a memorial fund for a permanent bench to be placed on the CeMar Trail behind Hap and JoEllen’s home.

This is the trail where Hap walked his darling Pearl on a daily basis for the past 6 years. Hap has a community of friends he met with daily on the trail, including a Marine, John, and many friends who my dad affectionately referred to as, “The Trail Ladies.”

Hap’s family would like to take this opportunity to thank the first responders, Mercy Medical Center Emergency, Neurological, and Intensive Care team professionals for their endless dedication and support in providing comfort and care to Hap in his final days. A special thank-you to Kim Sargent in Radiology and Erica and Wendy in the ICU… you are the BEST.

Please leave a message or tribute to the family on our web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.