Wayne M. Pregler, age 71, of Dubuque, Elkader and Texas, was called home suddenly at 8:37 p.m., on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Wayne’s life, funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Wayne’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Wayne was born on August 25, 1947, in Dubuque, son of Clifford and Janet (Kalloway) Pregler.

Wayne was a proud life-long Dubuquer, who worked for Flexsteel Industries as an upholsterer, devoting 37 years to the company before retiring. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Judith Mess, on February 24, 1968, and they were blessed with 2 children and 29 wonderful years together, before Judith preceded him in death on April 24, 1997. After a couple years had passed, Wayne was fortunate to once again find true love, and was united in marriage to Charlene Hanson on May 29, 1999, the two became inseparable, spending almost 20 fun filled years together. In his free time, Wayne enjoyed anything that allowed him to spend time in the great outdoors, but camping and playing golf were his favorite activities. He even joined the maintenance department at the Elkader Golf and Country Club, not only so he could make sure the course was always in tip top shape, but to give him extra time to perfect his golfing skills. Wayne was quite proud of the fact that he had made not only 1, but 3 holes-in-one throughout the years. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, and was very active on the local dirt track racing scene for 30 years, being involved with several championship winning teams. Wayne was also an avid bowler with the Flexsteel bowling team for 30 years. When Wayne finally officially retired from all of his jobs, he and Char became full time RVers, splitting their time between Iowa and Texas, loving every minute of it. Beyond a doubt, Wayne’s family was his pride and joy, and he took advantage of every opportunity that came along for them to spend time together. We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but are thankful for all of the wonderful memories we have made throughout the years and will treasure forever.

Those left to cherish Wayne’s memory include

his loving wife, best friend and soulmate,
Charlene Pregler, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Tracy (Terry) Gavin, Bernard, IA,
Brian (Debbie) Pregler, Mechanicsville, IA,
Angie (Brian) Miller, Dubuque, IA,
Vicki (Adam) Dolan, East Dubuque, IL
and Tony (Angie) Cross, Dubuque, IA;

his 15 grandchildren;

and his great-granddaughter.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Judith Pregler.