Michael Dean Happel

Michael Dean Happel, 52, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Monday, September 18, 2017, as the result of a trucking accident near Lyons, Kansas. He was born July 18, 1965, in Kimball, Nebraska, to Larry Dean and Patricia Jean (Pence) Happel. He attended school in Kimball, Fort Morgan, Colorado, and Fort Lupton, Colorado. Mike served his country in the United States Navy where he was stationed at Gulf Port, Mississippi. He would continue to live in Mississippi for several years. He then began his career in driving truck. He moved to Lexington in 2006, where he went to work for Tyson Fresh Meats. He then worked in the oil fields, eventually coming back to Lexington and working for Dan’s Sanitation, and then Justa Trucking. He was united in marriage to Amanda Piedrasanta on October 18, 2008, at Lexington. Mike was a fun guy to be around. He enjoyed camping, fishing, Husker football, and being with the family. He loved to tease, had a great sense of humor, and found joy in the small things in life; such as, family, telling stories, and listening to music. He will be so very missed by all who knew, and loved him. He is survived by his wife; Amanda Happel of Lexington, Nebraska; one son, Morgan VanSchueyver of Plainville, Kansas; as well as stepchildren, Rony, Nery, Erik, Mardo, Mariamarta, Iris, Migdalia, Paola, and local stepson, Carlos Alexander Hernandez of Kearney, Nebraska; one brother, Les (Kathy) Happel of Greeley, Colorado; three sisters, Bobbie Happel of Kearney, Nebraska, Teresa Happel of Holdrege, Nebraska, and Karen (Les) Fisher of Greeley, Colorado; several grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, September 24, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Iglesias de Dios Camino de Santidad Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Jorge & Vilma Cardenas officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 9 a.m. to 12 noon, also at the church. Burial will be in the Kimball Cemetery at Kimball, Nebraska on Monday, September 25, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. MDT with Military Honors at graveside. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.