March 25, 1944 ~ November 5, 2023 Donald D. Neel

Donald D. Neel, 79, of Clarks, died on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Bryan Medical Center East, in Lincoln. Graveside services will be held at Bureau Cemetery near Pierce Chapel in rural Clarks on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Nancy Spearow officiating. Interment will be held at the Bureau Cemetery near Pierce Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. The family invites everyone for refreshments to “Beck’s Barn” following the graveside service.

Don was born on March 25, 1944 to Glen and Doris (Beck) Neel in Hawthorne, CA. He grew up in the Clarks area, and graduated from Clarks High School in 1962. After high school Don attended Mechanic’s training school, and was then drafted to the Army National Guard. On September 6, 1964, Don was united in marriage to Jean Stromberg in Clarks. They made their home in Clarks where he would farm and ranch his entire life. Don retired in 2006, but still remained on the farm and helped when he could. During retirement, Don and Jean were able to travel frequently until Jean’s health declined. Don then spent his days taking care of her, while she battled dementia.

Don was a member of Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in rural Clarks, and was a member of the local antique tractor club. He enjoyed travelling, antique tractors, cars, especially corvettes, and he was an avid Husker fan, especially Husker volleyball. He also would take old sewing machines and turn them into toy tractors. His greatest love was for his family, and loved getting to spend time with them whenever he could.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Jean of Grand Island, his children; Christine (Darren) Shenk of Grand Island and Todd (Sheila) Neel of Clarks, his grandchildren; Megan (Dustin) Ancheta, Riley Shenk, and Josey Neel, his great-granddaughter; Rowan Ancheta, his brothers; Jack (Sally) Neel of Clarks and Ron (Judie) Neel of Castle Pines, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents.