Donald L. “Donnie” Gugel

Donald L. “Donnie” Gugel

Washington

Donald L. “Donnie” Gugel, age 75, of Washington, Iowa, died peacefully at his home on September 30, 2025, surrounded by love.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home. All guests attending visitation are encouraged to wear casual attire. Private family interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County and the Washington Genealogical Society. Online condolences may be sent to Donnie’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Donnie was born on October 23, 1949, in Washington, Iowa, to Louis Frederick and Orpha Mae (Yoder) Gugel. He attended school in Wayland, Iowa, through eighth grade and graduated from Iowa Mennonite School in 1968. He was united in marriage to his partner of 44 years, wife of 39 years, Ruth Ann McDole on May 25, 1986.

He had several occupations over the years, but the most rewarding was a finish carpenter with his brother, Duane.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; his children by marriage: Lynn Neff of Fairfield, Iowa; Angela (Kenny) Kempf of Wayland, Iowa; Maryjo (Matt) Rich, and Wendi (Michael) Neff Ulin, both of Washington, Iowa; his treasured grandchildren: Morgan (Nick) Kaufman of Harlan, Iowa; Mason (Haley) Rich of Washington, Iowa; Makenna (Koltyn Niles) Rich of Muscatine, Iowa; Amiah Neff of Fairfield, Iowa; and Aidan and Alec Ulin of Washington, Iowa; along with his great-grandson, Brewer Kaufman of Harlan, Iowa. Also surviving are his brothers, Duane (Karen) Gugel of Kalona, Iowa, and Dave (Julie) Gugel of Wauseon, Ohio; stepmother, Lois Gugel of Kalona, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Donnie was preceded in death by his mother, Orpha; father, Louis; baby brother; and nephew, Shaun.