Lt. Col. David Albertus Tranel, 80, of Tuscaloosa, AL (formerly of Menominee, IL, Platteville, WI and East Dubuque, IL), passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home.

Born on December 13, 1945, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, Dave was the son of Albert and Mary (Plear) Tranel. On September 3, 1966, he married his beloved wife, Connie Faith Egan, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Menominee, IL.

A dedicated patriot, Dave proudly served for 25 years in the United States Army as a member of the Army Nurse Corps, including a distinguished tour in Vietnam. Following his military retirement, he transitioned to healthcare administration, serving as the assistant administrator of Platteville Hospital and later as the administrator at Sinsinawa Mound, where he was instrumental in the construction of their nursing home facility.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dave was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures—golfing, coaching, playing cards, and enjoying a good cigar. Above all, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his children, Debra (Robert) Sutton, T.J. (Denise) Tranel, and Robert “Bo” (Carole) Tranel, all of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Patricia (Randy) Gregory of Cecil, AL. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Jessica (Weldon) Fultz, Noah Sutton, Tyler Tranel, Cassidy Tranel, Seth Behrens, Mikaela (Adam) Howard, Katherine (Dylan) Legnar, Makenzi (Keagen) Coates, and Alexi Tranel. He is also survived by his siblings, Shirley Broderick, Sister Maryann Tranel, Del Tranel, Jim Tranel, and Rev. Donald Tranel, as well as his brother-in-law, Randy (Carol) Egan, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Faith Tranel; his parents, Albert and Mary Tranel; his in-laws, Merrill and Phyllis Egan; an infant sister, Patricia; his sister, Rose Mary Spillane; and three brothers-in-law and two nephews.

A Military and Prayer Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Menominee, IL, followed by interment in the church cemetery. Friends may call beginning at 9:45 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a Veterans association of your choice.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©