Wayne R. "Smiley" Eggers

Wayne R. “Smiley” Eggers, age 74, of Preston, Iowa, died Thursday, January 3, 2013, at the Alverno Nursing Home, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2013, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Preston. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Preston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Preston.

Wayne was born September 1, 1938, in Preston, Iowa, the son of Ernest and Alverna (Medinger) Eggers. He graduated from Preston High School with the Class of 1956. He proudly served in the United States Navy. Wayne married Rose L. Ready on September 23, 1967, in Preston.

Wayne worked at several manufacturing firms as a lineworker. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Preston, a lifetime AMVETS member, the Lyon’s Club, and served on the Preston Fire Department. Wayne loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed following the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Wayne earned his nickname “Smiley” by always having a great sense of humor and being fun loving.

Wayne is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Rose Eggers of Preston; two daughters, Shelly (David) Hoffman of Washington, Iowa, and Stacy (Kurt) Bormann of Preston; five grandchildren; one brother, Marvin Eggers of Missouri; and one nephew, Steve Eggers of Missouri.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters – in – law, Marie Eggers, Linda Appleman, and June Reader.