Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon Bell Priegel, daughter Carole Bartlett and her husband Don of Seattle, WA, son Steven Priegel of Boulder, CO, daughter Dawn Main and her husband Robert of El Paso, and eight grandchildren: Bradley Bartlett, Jason Bartlett, Colin Bartlett, Cassidy Priegel, Riley Priegel, Robert “Remi” Main, Dalyn Main and Lucas Main. Jack is also survived by brother, Gary Priegel and wife Patricia, Roger Priegel and wife Lupita, and sister Barbara Aley and husband Steve as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by brother, Thomas Priegel and sister, Paula Turner.
Jack was born on May 3, 1938 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Charles Jack and Erna Priegel. He came to El Paso in 1957 where he was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. In 1960 he met and married his wife Sharon. After leaving the army, he worked as an electrical engineer at General Motors in Santa Barbara, CA and The Raytheon Company at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. In 1970, Jack fulfilled his lifelong dream by developing a garage enterprise into an industry leader in the automotive racing market, when he founded and was President/CEO of Autotronic Controls Corp./MSD Ignition. Jack was the consummate innovator and entrepreneur with a unique ability to look at the simplest things in life and question “why” or better yet “why not.”
After his retirement in 2004, Jack and Sharon enjoyed traveling and spending time together at their homes in El Paso and Maui, Hawaii. On countless weekends Jack could be found with his grandchildren, paddle boarding, windsurfing, swimming or snorkeling alongside them. Jack’s dedication to his family and his passion for adventure will be missed dearly.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and many friends who have provided such love and support during this time.
Donations can be made to Hospice Maui, 400 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793.
