Preston James McNurlen, 29, of Sigourney, Iowa passed away on January 17, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was born on December 1, 1996 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Jason and Sonia Sample McNurlen. He attended school in Sigourney, graduating in 2018.
Preston competed in numerous races, bike rides, and charity events. He completed many 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and ultra-marathons. He was a triathlete and an IRONMAN triathlon qualifier. He raised awareness for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, veteran suicide, law enforcement, fire, EMS, organ donation, and multiple charitable organizations and families in need. When someone needed Preston, he was saddled up and ready to roll. While not competing, Preston loved to listen to music, camping, and going on boat rides. His smile and good heart will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his mother, Sonia McNurlen of Sigourney, Iowa; father, Jason “Jake” McNurlen of Sigourney; sister, Madi (Joe Spangenburg) McNurlen of Sigourney; grandfather, Larry Sample of Bloomfield, Iowa; grandmother, Donna McNurlen of Harper, Iowa; two uncles, Justin (Jodie) Sample of Huxley, Iowa, Joe McNurlen of Houston, Missouri; great-grandmother, Mary Padget of Bloomfield; and two cousins, Emma and Taylor Sample of Huxley, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Joyce Sample; grandfather, Jim McNurlen; great-grandfather, James “Buck” Padget; great-grandparents, Ralph and Helen Sample; and great-great-grandmother, Hildred McMains.
Visitation for Preston will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with family present to greet friends from 2-4:00 p.m. A memorial has been established to the family to be designated at a later date.
