Donald Havel
February 19, 1937 ~ April 4, 2013
Donald L. Havel age 76 of Calmar, Iowa died Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2013, at Hugeback's Protivin Funeral Home, Protivin, with Chaplain Dave Byrd from Iowa Hospice presiding. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Schley, with Alan Havel, Bryan Havel, Kevin Havel, Steve Praska, Sheldon Praska and Shawn Praska serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Havel. Jenna Havel, Wayne Vokaty, Mark Opat and Adrian Samec.
Friends may greet the family 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Hugeback's Protivin Funeral Home, Protivin. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Don's name to the Hugeback's Protivin Funeral Home.
Don was born February 19, 1937 in New Hampton, IA, the son of Lewis and Leona (Moravetz) Havel. On October 2, 1957, Don was united in marriage to Mary Sweeney at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Schley. During their marriage the couple were blessed with five children. They made their home in Cresco and Evansdale, Iowa areas before moving to Des Moines. Don worked as a mechanic at both Schuki Chevrolet in Waterloo and Bob Brown Chevrolet in Des Moines.
After Don moved back to the Cresco area, he found his real passion, refurbishing old tractors. He was in the height of his glory when taking what his children thought was junk, and creating masterpieces. He took real pride in this passion, from finding all the parts and piecing them together, to hearing the tractor motor run for the first time, to sanding and eventually painting the final product. Each one he restored was like the first; always very meticulous in making sure they were perfect. Some of the tractors he refurbished he would drive in parades, even having his sons driving some of them.
Don loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his long-time companion, Lois Fisher, enjoyed going to towns along the Mississippi River, attending auctions, flea markets, tractor and car shows. He really enjoyed thrashing season and having everyone come out to his acreage and assist him. He also loved his old time country music and NASCAR racing.
Don is survived by Lois Fisher; his five children, Jackie (Darrell) Manning of Ankeny, Alan Havel of Winterset, Bryan (Kimmy) Havel of Pleasant Hill, Carolyn Walker of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kevin (Lori) Havel of Altoona; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by one sister, Celesta Praska of Cresco, a niece, three nephews and a host of friends.
The Family is deeply grateful to the staff at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare for the compassionate and loving care they provided.
Hey Dad…. I know that you are doing well up there in Heaven!!!! I will always miss and LOVE You for the remaining days of my life! Love Your Daughter…. Carolyn (your little ding ding) XOXOXOXOXOXO
Lois: My sincere condolences to you on Don’s death. I know he meant the world to you. The memories of all your dances and trips will be with you forever. You got to enjoy his hobbies, too. Bonnie & Keith
Jackie – Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. If you need anything we are here for you. Our love to you today and always! Jeff and Julie Rarick
Garden Accent Stone – ‘Wherever a beautiful soul has been’ was purchased for the family of Donald L. Havel.
Teleflora’s Sweet Tenderness was purchased for the family of Donald L. Havel.
Sweet Tranquility Basket was purchased for the family of Donald L. Havel.
Jackie please accept our sincere condolences in your loss. May he rest forever in the loving presence of Christ Our Savior. Deacon Ron & Judy Forrest
Jackie – Our prayers are with you and your Family. Those we love remain with us Forever. May you find Comfort knowing your Father is in Heaven with God. mike marlin
Jackie I am thinking about you, and having lost my Dad in October-2012, I know what you and your family are going through. I am sorry for your loss. Barbara J. Jay Des Moines, IA