DonLee William Happel, age 79, of Kiel passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023 at St. Nicholas Hospital with his wife by his side.

DonLee was born on October 5, 1943, in Sheboygan, WI, son of the late Melvin and Lucinda (Vogel) Happel.  He was a graduate of Kiel High School with the class of 1962.  On June 28, 1996, he married the love of his life, Anita, at St. Peter UCC, Kiel.  From that day on, he carried a card in his wallet that referred to Anita as "the main ingredient" of their farm, John Deere Horse Acres.  He was employed with Stolting for over 40 years when he retired.  DonLee enjoyed his time in the seat of a tractor either farming, on tractor rides or at tractor shows.  He stayed very active as he was an avid sports enthusiast who did his best to never miss a Kiel basketball or football game.  He also played on a dartball league since he was 14 years old.  He had a heart of gold and loved his family and his animals.

DonLee is survived by his wife, Anita Happel; nine children: Tony (Heather) Happel of Holt, FL, Wendy Johnson of Pickett, Matthew (Delores) Wildman of Sheboygan, Mark (Yu) Wildman of Plymouth, Luke (Sheila) Wildman of Howards Grove, John (Amy) Wildman of Oostburg, Bobby (special friend Michelle) Wildman of Manitowoc, Andy (Amy) Wildman of Sheboygan, and Charmin (Joe) Sanders of Manitowoc; twenty-five grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.  He is further survived by a sister, Darlene. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per DonLee's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. Peter UCC (424 Fremont St, Kiel).  Officiating at the service will be Reverend Nicole Herda.  The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 1:00PM until the time of service.  DonLee's final tractor ride to his resting place will be held during the Summer, date to be determined.