Donald F. Bermel, 84

Donald F. Bermel

1939-2023

Donald F. Bermel, age 84, of Keota, died suddenly Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at his home.

Don was born May 16, 1939, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Edith (Smith) Bermel.  He graduated from Keota High School and attended the University of Iowa for one year.  On September 10, 1960, he married Margaret Hutchison in Mason City.  A lifelong resident of Keota, Don worked as a milk man for Bermel Dairy for 21 years.  In 1979 he began selling insurance and real estate through Hawkeye Midwestern Realty, retiring in 2011.   He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish, was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight, served as past president of the Keota Community Club and Keota Jaycees, belonged to the Keota Lions Club and was a volunteer fireman for 15 years.  He also coached Pee Wee baseball, served on the Lagos Acres board and was co-chairman of the Keota Centennial.  Don was the best husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, brother and uncle.  He never met a stranger and always had a joke or three.  He loved wintering in Arizona with the love of his life, Margaret, visiting with friends at County Line Mart and spending quality time with his family and his and Margaret’s best friend, Joyce.

Survivors include four sons: Jeff (Carol) Bermel of Keota, John (Tracy) Bermel of Cedar Falls, Jamie (Jacque) Bermel of Lawrence, Kansas and Jodi (Kathy) Bermel of Granger; 13 grandchildren: Cari (Dave) Harland, Kyle (Sydney) Bermel, Abby (Adam) Luehmann, Jacob (Shannon) Bermel, Hailey (Tanner) Strudthoff, Hannah Bermel, Ben (fiancé Cassidy) Bermel, Emily Bermel, Jack Bermel, Charlie Bermel, Maggie (Joe) Brett, Briley Bermel and Nick Bermel; nine great grandchildren and two sisters: Delores Loney of Iowa City and Betty Flynn of Washington.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Margaret on August 13, 2023 and great grandson: A.J. Luehmann.

Memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Robert Lathrop officiating.  Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemeteries - St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the church, where there will be a vigil service at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a general memorial fund has been established.  Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Don and his family.  Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.