Albert "Perg" G. Mangler

Albert G. Mangler, age 83, of Sabula, Iowa, also known as "Perg," "Maverick," or Hollywood," died Thursday, February 9, 2017 at home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2017 at the Calvary Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established in Al's memory.
Albert was born on December 10, 1933, the son of Albert and Ellen (Yappen) Mangler at home near Sabula on the bluff. He attended Sabula High School and graduated with the Class of 1952. Al married Velma Petersen, his high school sweetheart, on September 5, 1955 at the United Methodist Church in Sabula. They celebrated 57 years of marriage until Velma’s death on October 5, 2012. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He worked for the Milwaukee/Soo Railroad for 42 years until his retirement in 1994. He started as Section Labor in 1950, then worked as a Brakeman for six years, a Conductor for 20 years, and an Engineer for 14 years. He was also the local chairperson for the United Transportation Union Railroad for 28 years. Al battled cancer four times, receiving a stem cell transplant in 1998. He appreciated his care at Mayo Clinic with Dr. Gastonia.
Al's greatest love was family and friends. "There was never a stranger around Al." In retirement, he enjoyed the morning coffee club at McDonalds. He would then make his daily circuit, later opening up at Flippers in Sabula, before heading to a high school ballgame.
Al was an important figure in making Sabula the city it is today. He helped create the Sabula Beautification Committee, was a member of the city council for four years, and mayor for eight years. He was instrumental in obtaining the building for the Volunteer Fire Department, the Ambulance Crew, and the historic Sabula Caboose. Al was also devoted to the local youth—being involved with little league baseball for 40 years, creating a baseball field, and driving bus for East Central Schools after his retirement. He devoted many years organizing the Sabula Alumni Banquet and the Railroad Retirement Picnic.
Perg will be dearly missed by five children, Deb (Don) Thayer of Sabula, Penny (Scott) Sullivan of Preston, Iowa, Todd (Karen) Mangler of Clinton, Iowa, Becky (Bob) Decker of Garrison, Iowa, and Rockie (Michele) Mangler of Savanna; 11 grandchildren, James, Angie (Adam), April (Jason), Audrey, Kayla (Eli), Nick (Kristin), Collin (Corey), Jacob, Ethan, Grant and Avery; and 11 great-grandchildren, Kadin, Kyson, Troy, Carter, Ella, Kali, Maeley, Jaxen, Miley, Colton, and Alissa; two sisters, Isabelle "Izzy" Brundage of Sabula and Mary Sandholt of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and a brother, Lloyd "Nun" (Carolyn) Mangler of Sabula, and a special niece, Sandra (Jack) Kempter of Sabula.
Perg is preceded in death by his wife, Velma; his parents, Albert Sr. and Ellen; and five siblings, Apama Paddock, Lucille James, Charles Mangler, Wayne Mangler, and Darwin Mangler.
We hope you will smile as you remember Al, it seems that is what he would have wanted.