Alan Robert Prellberg

ALAN ROBERT PRELLBERG, son of Emil and Margaret (nee Friess) passed peacefully on January 16 in Arizona. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Carol (nee Rzempoluch), his daughter Beth and her wife Carolyn Marosy, and his very noisy cat Charlene.

He was a New Jersey native and spent his (misspent) youth as a boy scout and later as a scout leader. He was a talented craftsman and worked with his brother John, who predeceased him, at his jewelry store John’s Watch Repair in Guttenberg, New Jersey, where he kept many grandfather clocks ticking smoothly.

Alan was a proud firefighter, first as a volunteer in Guttenberg and then in Union City, New Jersey where he retired as a deputy chief. He loved it so much that he would say that “he never worked a day in his life.”

He lived a full life, deeply enjoying varied hobbies, including model trains, juggling, fishing, archery, running marathons, researching family genealogy, and a brief attempt as a failed unicyclist. His most recent hobby was classic cars and he was the proud owner of a 1958 AMC Rambler, just like the car his father had when he was young.

The original “City Slicker” Alan loved trail riding and had “more fun than any person should have” helping at his friend’s cattle ranch. He owned horses in both New Jersey and Arizona, giving him the chance to often comment, “It was a helluva ride, kid” to his daughter when they rode together.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was known for a hell of a sense of humor, a unique way of turning a phrase, and was a loyal friend. He will be missed by all who know he is somewhere whistling “Happy Trails to You” forever.

If you are inclined to make a donation in his memory, please do so to Planned Parenthood or to the Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek (Zelle to KiwanisofQueenCreek@gmail.com OR by check to Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek Community Welfare Foundation at PO Box 356, Queen Creek, AZ, 85142). He didn’t give a sh** about anything except his “4 girls” and these are the causes that are dear to them.