Jane Pegel Archives
Via Susie Pegel
Jane Pegel died this morning, June 6, 2026, at the age of 92. Jane began her iceboating career sailing a Skeeter I-169 named “Holy Smoke.” Around 1956 she made the transition to DNs, first racing with number 305 and later 805. She was DN class champion in 1961 and 1963 and served as DN technical committee chairperson for decades. She was in the group that founded the National Iceboat Authority that formulated right-of-way rules for iceboats. Jane met her husband Bob Pegel while iceboating. Jane is survived by daughter Susie Pegel (formerly DN 905) and grand-cat Sweet Pea who was adopted from the animal shelter in Green Lake in 2020.
Many of today’s sailors may not realize how much of the sport they enjoy was shaped by Jane’s work and dedication. She was a competitor, an organizer, a rule maker, and a trailblazer whose influence extended far beyond her own racing career.
Our thoughts are with her daughter, Susie Pegel, family, and friends. Susie reports that a funeral service is being arranged, likely for later in June.
Fair winds, Jane.
