ontract at Garner-Hayfield Community School District for the 1959-1960 school year. He taught 7-8th grade science, was the athletic trainer and coached football, basketball and track. He received his master's degree from Northeast Missouri Teacher's College in Kirksville, MO in 1964. In 1965, he became building principal for grades 5-8. On August 12, 1967 he married Linda Gipp of Decorah. They were blessed with two sons, Scott and Mark. In 1969, Don was named the school's Athletic Director. Two of his many highlights during his athletic director's tenure was the 1991 football team winning the 2-A State Football Championship and the all weather track being named after him in 1993. Don retired from his teaching duties at Garner-Hayfield in the spring of 1993. After his retirement, he enjoyed contact with students as a substitute teacher, working at Garner-Hayfield sporting events and watching Iowa football and basketball games. Don was named Grand Marshal of the 2008 Garner-Hayfield Homecoming parade. He was a lifetime follower of the Cleveland Indians baseball team and Iowa Hawkeyes. The last few years, his most enjoyment was from his friends, family and grandchildren. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake and was a lifetime member of the Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association. He also was a member of the National and State Athletic Director's Associations and an honorary member of the Belmond High School B Club. Don was recognized with the School Administrator's Award from the Iowa High School Athletic Association in March of 1993 and received the Northeast District Athletic Director of the Year Award in April of 1993. In March of 1995, he was inducted into the Iowa Athletic Director's Association Hall of Fame. Don is survived by his wife, Linda, of Garner; two sons, Scott (Beth) Hoppel of Osage and their two children, Nicholas and Katherine and Mark (Tammy) Hoppel of Mason City and their two children, Michael and Marissa; and a brother, Doug (Colleen) Hoppel of Little Canada, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents. Don's family would like to thank the doctors, techs, nurses and secretaries at the Mason City Dialysis Center and Hospice of North Iowa for their great care and services