Warren L. Winegar, 69, of Gravois Mills, Missouri, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed unexpectedly on Sunday, November 10, 2024, near Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

Warren Lynn Winegar affectionately known by many as “Fuzzy”, “Homer”, and “Fudd” grew up in Maquoketa, where he was born on June 20, 1955, to Guy Douglas and Shirley M. (Moore) Winegar. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1973, laying the foundation for a life full of dedication and hard work. On August 16, 1980, he married the love of his life, Deb Bennett, in his hometown. Together, they welcomed three wonderful children into the world: Mike, Nick, and Lindsay.

For thirty years, “Fuzzy” dedicated his skills as a machinist to Caterpillar, working first in Mt. Joy, Iowa, and later transferring to Pontiac, Illinois. His commitment to his work was unwavering, and upon his retirement in 2003, he found a new avenue to apply his talents at Crane Farms and Trucking, where he remained until 2018.

He was a member of the Elks Club in Laurie, Missouri. He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and excitement in hunting and fishing, pursuits that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of nature and the thrill of the chase.

Perhaps one of “Fuzzy’s” greatest joys was watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Family gatherings at the lake were also a highlight for “Fuzzy”. He loved relaxing on the dock, a cold Busch Light in hand, as he watched the parade of big boats and shared stories with friends and family. These moments, filled with laughter and camaraderie, will be remembered fondly by all who were lucky enough to join him.

Those left to honor his memory include his devoted wife, Deb Winegar of Gravois Mills, MO; children, Mike Winegar of Bloomington, IL, Nick (Bettina Bohanan) Winegar of Canton, IL, and Lindsay (Grant) Gelly of Atlantic, IA; 5 grandchildren, Brooklyn (Bobo), Kali, Waylon, Maddox (Mo), and Livy (Fred); his father, Doug Winegar of Maquoketa, IA; brothers, Larry (Diane) Winegar of Jefferson City, MO, Craig (Wendy) Winegar of Maquoketa, IA, and Bob (Audrey) Winegar of Maquoketa, IA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Randy and Diane Kinyon of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother Shirley on September 22, 2016, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvin and Carol Bennett.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 1 to 4 P.M., Monday, November 18, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, with a Time of Sharing at 3:30 P.M.  A celebration of his life will also be held at a later date in Fairbury, Illinois.  A private burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Prairie Central Sports Boosters https://prairieil.infinitecampus.org/campus/store/prairie/school-store/1/products or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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