Gary W. Neill

Gary Wayne Neill, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 7, at the Colfax Nursing Home in Colfax, WI.

Gary was born to Dwight and Eunice (Johnson) Neill on February 9, 1938. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1956. Gary married Patricia Ann Werlein, the love of his life, on August 16, 1958, at the Altoona United Methodist Church in Altoona, WI.

Gary received an Associate Degree in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration from Dunwoody Industrial Institute of Minneapolis. Gary began working for Eau Claire Plumbing Supply in 1961. After 36 years, he retired as Sales Manager in 1997. Gary was very committed to community service. He served for eight years as a Councilman and six years as Mayor for the City of Altoona.

Gary enjoyed many years at Sand Lake. He loved to hunt and fish. After retirement, Gary and Pat wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona, where he enjoyed the warm weather and golfing. Gary loved telling jokes, whether at the lake, fishing or hunting, he always had a story to tell. Gary cherished the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, family and friends.

The family would like to thank the dialysis staff at Luther Mayo Campus and the London Road Dialysis Center and the staff at the Colfax Nursing Home.

He is survived by two sons: Brian (Cynthia) Neill of New Auburn and Bradley (Barbara) Neill of Apache Junction, AZ; daughter: Brenda (Neill) Gettler of Bloomer and her special friend Robert Licht of Chetek; grandchildren: Tanya Neill and her fiancé: Kyle Styczynski, Mitchell Neill, Brianna Neill, Brianda Gettler and Dakota Licht; sister: Nancy Moe of California.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Dwight and Eunice, wife: Patricia.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 12:00 PM at the Altoona United Methodist Church with a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.