Wayne Sherman Neal, age 55, of the Wolf Lake, MN area passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN.
Wayne was born in Jacksonville, Florida on June 2, 1951 to Edgar and Betty (Phillips) Neal. In 1970, Wayne was united in marriage to Patricia Kimball and they were blessed with five children: Mark, Daniel, Christina, Sarah and Nicholas. He also had a daughter, Jeanine. Wayne worked in construction and drywall for many years in Minnesota and Connecticut. He moved back to Wolf Lake in 1999 and lived on the farm with his mother. In 2003 he moved to Park Rapids, MN and worked briefly at Pamida, where he injured his back, resulting in three back surgeries. In 2005, Wayne moved back to the family farm in Wolf Lake and made himself a home site in the woods. He loved his place in the woods and enjoyed watching the birds and animals from his window. He loved fishing and camping and in earlier years, hunting. He also enjoyed listening to music and was an avid gardener.
Wayne lost his first child, Mark, to cancer at just five and his second child, Daniel, in a tragic accident at 23. He never really got over these losses, but now, at least he will be reunited with his children, his father, and his grandparents in Heaven. All through his struggles in this life, he never doubted that one day he would meet them all in Heaven and his family and friends take comfort in knowing this. When he went into the hospital the last time, he told the doctors in the emergency room, "I'm not afraid of dying, I've made my peace with God and I'm saved!" So ends the last chapter of Wayne's life on this earth and we give thanks that he is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
He will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Betty (Onie) Samuelson of Menahga; two brothers: Robert (Mary) Neal of Wolf Lake and Phillip (Kathleen) of Charlotte, TN; four children: Christina Moore, Sarah Neal and Nicholas Neal all of New Port Richey, FL, and Jeanine Neal of Broad Albin, NY; two granddaughters, Caitlin and Sonya of New Port Richey, FL; a special aunt, Jackie Lauramore, his special friend, Betty Rittenhouse; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his two sons, Mark and Daniel; his father, Edgar; and his grandparents, Poppie and Nannie Phillips.
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Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at First Baptist Church in Park Rapids with Pastor Joseph Sturtz officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. The pian will be Al Henderson and congregational hymns will be "Sweet By & By" and "Just As I Am". Phillip Neal will be playing "Peace In The Valley" and Mary Neal will be singing "Beyond The Sunset." Casketbearers will be: Phillip Neal, Robert Neal, Ronny Skoog, Gerald Koskela, Michael Hendrick and Scot Sturtz. Honorary casketbearers will be Wilbert Keranen and Kenneth Skoog. Following the service a luncheon will be held at the church for all to attend. Interment will be at the Wolf Lake Cemetery in Wolf Lake.
