Paul David "Chuck" McFarlane, age 79 passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at home surrounded by his loving family. The youngest son of Earl and Alice (Beggs), Chuck was born October 28, 1928. A lifelong resident of Sauk City, he graduated from Sauk City High School in the class of 1946 and furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville studying Agriculture Science.

Chuck was inducted into the Army during the Korean War. On June 11th 1954, he was united in marriage to Ruby Muchow in Reedsburg, Wi.. Chuck worked at McFarlane Manufacturing along with his father and brothers to create a successful farm equipment sales, tire service, manufacturing and structural steel fabrication business, which is now going into the 4th generation. His respect for the farmers and appreciation for customer provided the foundation, motivation and love for his work. Chuck was devoted to the Sauk-Prairie Community: he served on the village board, was on the Ambulance Commission for 27 years, the Police Commission, and the board of Directors for the Sauk-Prairie Hospital. In 1979, he and his wife, Ruby, chaired the 125th Sauk City Jubilee Celebration Parade. Chuck was a member of the Masons and the Zor Shrine including the Divan. He created the Keystone Kops Unit and fabricated a paddy wagon and pursuit car. This group traveled throughout the Midwest and Canada for 25 years, raising money for the Shriners' Childrens' Hospital. He was appointed to the Small Business Owners' Commission under the leadership of Gov. Lee Dreyfus. A colorful character, Chuck, will be remembered for his love of family, sense of humor, work ethic, and his strong integrity.

In retirement, Chuck restored more than 20 vintage cars and tractors. Chuck's museum reflects a period of time of nearly a hundred years during which the McFarlane name has been well known and synonymous with successful business. Included in his private collection is a 1957 baby blue T-Bird which provided many hours of joy riding and scaled replicas of his favorite tractors. His museum/workshop was not only a gathering place for all car and tractor enthusiasts but for anyone who wanted to hear a good story, share a laugh or request some advice. The twinkle in his eye and infectious joking made Chuck entertaining and his workshop a popular spot to visit. He was a lifetime and devoted member of the First United Church of Christ in Sauk City.

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife, Ruby, of 54 years; two daughters, Jean (Steve) Bachhuber of Madison and Joan (Jim) Hanson of Verona; one son, Tom (Margaret Mitchell) of Sauk City; 5 grandchildren, John (Amy McHargue) Bachhuber of Prairie du Sac, Tara (Peter) Klun of Sun Prairie, Amanda McFarlane of Sauk City, Molly and Megan Hanson of Verona; and three great-grandsons, Jack and Charlie Bachhuber and Alexander Klun. He is further survived by his in-laws; Verda and Corky McFarlane both of Sauk-Prairie, Ella and Milton Repka of Rock Springs, Paul and Norma Doering of Germantown; many dear nieces, nephews, friends and his special canine buddy, Mike.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bob and Jim McFarlane; in-laws; Lorna McFarlane of Sauk City, Ed and Sarah Meyer of Reedsburg, Arlie and Delores Muchow of Paris Illinois.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2008 at FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 504 Washington Avenue, Sauk City, with Pastor Bill Kapp officiating. Burial will follow in the Sauk City Cemetery. Chuck's much anticipated 80th birthday party will be celebrated following the burial at the home of Chuck and Ruby where his vintage treasures will be on display. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, and also on Friday, one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established. The family wishes to thank Pastor William Kapp for his many hours of spiritual guidance and friendship over the past two years.