Ervin “Junior” Mangler Jr., a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Maquoketa, Iowa, at the age of 79. Born on January 1, 1945, in Bellevue, Iowa, to Ervin Sr. and Matilda “Tillie” (Seiler) Mangler, Junior grew up in the Green Island area and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967, receiving an honorable discharge.

Junior’s life was marked by his dedication to family and his strong work ethic. He married Armilla J. “Mickie” Goepfert on September 6, 1969, in Andrew, Iowa, and together they welcomed two children, Sonia and Brad. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Junior found love again and married Norma Spaete in 1980, with whom he had two more children, Bryant, and Justin. His journey led him to the love of his life, Rita Hatfield, with whom he shared many treasured moments.

He began his career at a young age, working alongside his father in the family’s logging and salvage business. Junior’s industrious spirit led him to various jobs, including Wells Plumbing and Heating, and a company in Davenport making grain bins. He found his calling at Caterpillar, where he worked as a machinist for over 35 years until his retirement on May 31, 2001.

Junior’s zest for life extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was a member of the Timber City American Legion Post #75 and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing, deer, squirrel, and mushroom hunting. Junior’s sociable nature shone through in his enjoyment of socializing with friends, gambling, and playing Poker with his family.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Sonia Mangler of Maquoketa, IA, Brad (Tiffany) Mangler of Maquoketa, IA, Bryant (Jessica) Mangler of Dubuque, IA, and Justin (Georgia) Mangler of Fairbury, IL; his beloved Rita Hatfield of Maquoketa, IA; his nine grandchildren, Skyler, Payton, Dylan, Dane, Kennedy, Sophia, Paisyn, Emmitt, and Jaymz; and his siblings, Rich Mangler of Dubuque, IA, Arlene Jewell of Moline, IL, Mary (David) Wallace of Bellevue, IA, and Darlene (Lanny) Lewis of Adrian, MI. He was preceded in death by his father Ervin Mangler Sr., mother Matilda “Tillie” Clark, stepfather Dillon “Fat” Clark, brothers Robert (Carol) Mangler, Arnold (Darla) Mangler, sister-in-law Sherry Mangler, and a grandchild Averee Howell.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, March 4, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Bellevue, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Ervin “Junior” Mangler Jr. memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.