Charles J. ”Chuck” Juergens, 83, of Dubuque, passed away November 20, 2023 at his home with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 24 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m with military rites. A private burial will be held later in Linwood Cemetery.

Chuck was born on May 11, 1940 to Gerald and Mildred (Gritti) Juergens in Dubuque. Chuck was the oldest of 8 siblings, who along with their cousins, have wonderful stories of growing up in Dubuque; too many to list here, but they were all cherished by him. Chuck graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and was later inducted into Senior’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in track and field, basketball and football. He attended the University of Dubuque where he went on to play football. Chuck continued his education at Texas A & M where he received his Masters degree.

Chuck was also a veteran, serving in the United States Air Force.

Professionally, Chuck was a teacher in the Dubuque Community School District and taught science at Hempstead High School for 33 years where he enjoyed coaching wrestling and freshman football.

He loved the outdoors – an avid hunter, passionate about fishing and tending his garden. He loved watching sports and being with his family – especially his grandchildren (who adored him). Chuck was on the Board of Directors of DubuqueLand Pheasants Forever and an active member of the Izaak Walton League Dubuque Chapter. He was also an instructor for Hunter’s Safety for 39 years.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna (Hartnett) Juergens of Dubuque; two daughters, Katherine (Merrill) Wolf of Lincolnshire, IL and Julia (Michael) McKibben of New Lenox, IL and four grandchildren, Andrew and Charlie Wolf and Maddie and Jillian McKibben.

He is also survived by his siblings, Ronald (Sharon) Juergens, James (Debra) Juergens, Larry Juergens, Barbara (Peter) Juergens-Scully, Connie Juergens, Janet (Tim) O’Brien and sister-in-law Chollie Juergens; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Mildred (Gritti) Juergens and a brother, Richard Juergens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Izaak Walton League Dubuque Chapter, DubuqueLand Pheasants Forever, and Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Drs. Nachtman, Engelman and Marks, their dedicated teams, and the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their care.