Dale Pugsley's Obituary
Dale Alonzo Pugsley, 65, of Blue Mound, IL died at 2:00 am Sunday, December 14, 2014 at his residence.
He was born May 2, 1949 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Fred Pugsley and Ruth Stubblefield Pugsley. On March 08, 1967 he married Joy McGeorge, with whom he had two sons, Todd Pugsley and Brian Pugsley. He was later married to Brenda Kay Kraft on December 10, 1977, and was step-father to two sons, Chad Haynes and John Friis, Jr. For the past 16 years he has been the companion of Tracy (Holt) Kater, with whom he leaves behind with one daughter, Jessica Pugsley, and one step-son, Jesse Kater. He will be deeply missed by all his family.
Dale attended high school in Niantic-Harristown, IL where he enjoyed attending shop classes, playing football and participating on the wrestling team. During his high school years he lived with his uncle Ralph Pugsley and aunt Betty, and their adopted daughter Mary. As a young adult, he worked for A.E. Staley in Decatur, IL, before going on to manage and then own two separate tree nurseries. Later in life, he owned and operated several local businesses in central Illinois that have included several taverns and night clubs, a large snowplow service, as well as other equipment contracting services. A hard worker, Dale also found time to regularly play cards with his friends as well as enjoy horseback riding, trail riding and attending horse shows with his family, especially in the mountains near Eminence, Missouri.
Surviving are his children: son Brian Pugsley (wife Cyndi), step-son Chad Haynes (wife Pam), step-son John Friis, Jr. (wife Lisa), step-son Jesse Kater (wife Courtney), daughter Jessica Pugsley, and daughter-in-law Lisa, wife of Todd Pugsley. Grandchildren: Kayley Pugsley, Travis Pugsley and Kaycee Pugsley. Great-grandchild: Carson Pugsley. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and extended family, including his first wife Joy McGeorge, his second wife Brenda Kay Kraft, his companion Tracy (Holt) Kater, his sister Jenny Richardson and his brothers Herbert and Aaron Pugsley. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Pugsley, his sister Eva Bonn, his brother Orville Pugsley and by his parents.
A memorial marker is to be placed at Graceland Cemetery, in loving memory of Dale. At Dale’s request, there will be no funeral services but a celebration of his life will be held at the Bottoms Up Bar & Grill (formerly the Rusty Spur Saloon), at 4380 West Main Street, Decatur, IL on Sunday, December 21st from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Wade, his nurse LeAnn and Dale’s nephew Jeremy Richardson for their personal care and compassion in the past months.
The family of Dale Alonzo Pugsley is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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