Gary "Ringo" Lee Warengo

Gary L. “Ringo” Warengo, 74, of Blencoe, Iowa passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023 at CHI Health-Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy in Omaha, Nebraska.

A memorial service will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, August 10, 2023 at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa with Jack Gibler, officiating. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Ringo’s obituary. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and the David McNeill American Legion Post #129, Onawa, Iowa. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 9, 2023 with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Gary Lee was born November 18, 1948 in Onawa, Iowa, the son of Niklaus and Anna (Kies) Warengo. He grew up in Onawa and graduated from West Monona High School with the class of 1967. Gary was drafted into the United States Army and served from March 6, 1968 and was honorably discharged March 5, 1970.

Gary “Ringo” and Deborah Hardison were married September 8, 1971 in Onawa, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Shannon and Nicole.

Gary was a hero. He lived as many American war veterans do, without speaking of those actions leveling him to his hero status. He spent 11 months and 15 days fighting alongside his buddies in Vietnam as part of the Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry. Upon leaving Vietnam, Gary was awarded two Bronze Stars for his heroism. He also earned four Purple Hearts due to the injuries he sustained while fighting overseas.

Ringo farmed with Stan Jirovsky and then for Rex Seitzinger. He was an irrigation expert. Ringo was the city maintenance foreman for the city of Blencoe, Iowa. Later he joined Junior Hanson at S&H Drilling, where he put his knowledge of irrigation systems and wells to use.

Ringo loved the outdoors and spent much time fishing, hunting, and gardening. He loved “Da Bears” and betting against the Huskers. He had a knack for dolling out nicknames for friends and especially family. He was always up for a beer, or two with the buddies. Ringo was a life member of the VFW and would look forward to helping with the VFW Barbecues each year.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah Warengo of Blencoe, Iowa; children, Shannon Warengo of Blencoe, Iowa, and Nicole (Aaron) Debartolo of Onawa, Iowa; grandchildren, Averie, Chace, and Emersyn Debartolo, and Kayden McDonald; brothers, Gene Warengo and Bob (Linda) Warengo, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Niklaus and Anna (Kies) Warengo; siblings, Raymond, Clarence, Rose, Mary, Helen, Jim, Betty, and infant brother, Joseph.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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