Obituaries : Lester Theodore Happel

Lester Theodore Happel, 89, entered heaven on Jan 2, 2025.  Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., and Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00–10:45 a.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., all at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 3275 N. Center Point Rd., Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

He was born September 5, 1936 near Atkins, Iowa and claimed by Christ in the waters of baptism at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Atkins, Iowa.  

He is survived by his wife, Alma Happel, of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Rachel Happel; son, Gregory (Andrea) Happel; grandsons, Martin, August, and Stefan Happel; nephews, Larry Happel, Joel (Susan) Happel, Charlie (Anne) Happel, Ron (Kris) Happel and Jamie (Amanda) Jorgensen; nieces, Jeanine Efflandt, Peggy (John) Badger, Barbara (Jamie) Badger, and Karen (Gary) McVicker, Janet (Dennis) Brown; and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Clara (Clausen) Happel; infant brother, George; sister, Elaine; brothers, Richard (Lois) Happel, Alfred (Norma) Happel, and Paul (Kathy) Happel; sister, Helen (Jim) Jorgensen; nephew, Keith Happel; and niece, Betty Happel.

He grew up in Latimer, Iowa and graduated from Latimer High School in 1954.

He farmed with his brothers, worked for Henning Construction, then at Latimer Bank.  In 1959 he left his bank employment in answer to the call to serve in the US Army.  He served from 1959-1962, including 18 months in Heidelberg, Germany.  

He returned from his Army service and attended the University of Northern Iowa from 1962-1964, where he studied business.

He married Alma Happel on June 26, 1965, in Nerstrand, Minnesota after meeting through mutual friends and family members.  Lester and Alma made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He worked at First Federal Savings and Loan. He made a career in truck equipment sales at New Method Equipment Company, and Cortez Trucking.  He retired from Cortez Trucking in 2002.

Faith, Family, and Farming were always present in Lester’s life. He was a loving father to Greg and Rachel.  Born on a farm, he never lost his connection to the land.  He liked Oliver tractors.  Each fall until he was over 80 years old, he returned to the Hampton, Iowa area to help family and friends bring in the harvest. Once, when a tractor ran over his foot, he continued working the rest of the day.  He later reluctantly followed doctor’s orders to rest his foot–after mowing his family lawn.

He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 38 years.  He served on the Board of Elders, Board of Trustees, Board of Education, and sang tenor in the Men’s Choir.  

For the last 23 years of his life, Lester was a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church.  Lester enjoyed time with family.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was present at many family gatherings.  He liked quiet moments with feline family members, most recently George and Root Beer.

Lester was attentive, observant, and a good listener.  He shared brief, keen observations when he spoke.  He cared for his home with precision, keeping a tidy lawn.  He secretly cared for trees on the school grounds next to his house, and helped both his children with their yards and projects.  He always had a twinkle in his eye.   He trusted in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  By faith we will meet again.

Memorials may be directed to King of Kings Lutheran Church and the Alzheimer’s Association in Lesters name. 

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.