William R. “Bill” Happel (IABE ’58) entered the Chapter Eternal on September 26, 2014 at the Dennis & Donna Hospice House of Mercy in Iowa City.  He was 78 years old.

Happel 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 pledged the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  He was initiated into the Fraternity on March 13, 1955 and received badge number 91721. 

At Iowa, 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, Happel 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.

He is survived by his children; Jana (Jim Anaya) of Tucson, AZ, Bill (Tami) of Hiawatha, IA and Bob (Julie) of Powell, OH. Also surviving is a sister, Judy (Russ) Leidigh of Goodyear, AZ, a brother-in-law Jack Kaufman of Robins, Iowa, and his grandchildren; Andrea, Emilio Anaya, Kayla (Cory) Hubler, Shauna, Catherine, Ray, and Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy Kaufman.

“May the memory of his good deeds and the example of his noble life ever abide with us as a lasting heritage throughout all succeeding generations.” 
-- The Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon