Michael R. "Mike" Wingert

Michael R. “Mike” Wingert, 71 of Sioux City passed away at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones on Thursday, January 28, 2016.            Due to the weather conditions, the graveside services will be 3:30 P.M. Friday at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in South Sioux City, with his son Rev. Stanley Cook officiating. Visitation will be from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M. Sunday at Becker – Hunt Funeral. Following the visitation there will be a celebration of  life gathering at the Filling Station, 1808 Highway 75  North in Sioux City.             Mike was born in Ponca, Nebraska September 7, 1944, the son of Ray and Jane (Dougherty) Wingert. Mike lived on a rural farm in Ponca where he attended the local country school. Mike left Ponca and served the Country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Piedmont.             Upon release from the Navy, Mike was employed as an ironworker on the oil rigs in Texas and later returned to Sioux City where he worked at various beef packing houses.  Mike then became an over the road truck driver and spent more than forty years driving across the United States. He married Karen Bennett September 16, 1968 in South Sioux City.             Mike retired from driving semi- trucks and for several years hauled campers from Indiana to California, where he enjoyed the warm weather. Mike then opened a business with his son Michael Jr.,  Alloy Wheel Repair, where he worked until recently.             Mike loved working on vintage vehicles and was considered a master mechanic. Mike always enjoyed the company of others  and loved to tease those around him, always having a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed playing pool, and having a beer with friends. Mike enjoyed his travels and developed close friends wherever he went.             Mike is survived by his wife, Karen, three sons: Stan (Karen) of Sioux City, Jess (Kelly) of Twentynine Palms, CA, Michael Jr. (Ashley) of Hinton, three daughters: Sue (Jerry) of Gladstone, Illinois, Lisa (Randy) of Sioux City, Jane (Billy) of Canton, Georgia, twelve grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren,  a sister Tish Book and several nieces and nephews.             Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Patrick, a sister Mary Wolden and a brother-in-law Gary Book.             Pallbearers will be Michael Wingert, Jr, Stanly Cook, Jess Cook, Randy Schneider, John Fitch, Myron Kellen and Ralphy Aguilar.                Mike will be deeply missed by all of those who knew him.