George Clair McNeil was born in Fort Edward, New York on December 4, 1939 to Howard and Lorraine (Morehouse) McNeil. He was raised on the family dairy farm in Argyle. He graduated from Argyle High School in 1958. After graduation, George joined the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming when he met the love of his life Ramona Iversen. They were married January 16, 1960 and recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. To this union 4 children were born.
George had every little boy's dream jobs. He was a military police officer, firefighter, and a railroad engineer. Retiring from BNSF after 25 years of service. His railroad career moved him and his family to several locations including: Alliance NE, Galesburg IL, Ottumwa IA (where he bought a house next to a cemetery, where he talked about checking on the residents) then moving to Wenatchee, WA and Bothell, WA. George joked that they dropped off kids as they moved. The final move was to Chatham, IL.
George enjoyed many hobbies through his life. Most recently was woodturning. He was the web master with his tech assistant Charlotte for the Lincoln Land Wood Turners and was a member of the St. Louis Wood Turners.
George was very active in many Masonic Organizations. He was a Master Mason in Shoreline Lodge in Shoreline, WA. He was a member of Amaranth in both Illinois and Washington. He belonged to both Springfield Court in Illinois and Richmond Court in Washington. George and Ramona served as Grand Royal Patron and Matron of the state of Washington in 2005. George was Associate Guardian to several Jobs Daughter Bethels and enjoyed working with all the Jobies.
George passed away January 25, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. George is survived by: His wife Ramona. Brother Bruce McNeil of Argyle, New York. In-Laws Harold (Adele) Iversen, Rosemary Herrell of Washington State and Gretchen (Don) Bolinger of Arizona.
Children Julie (Donald) Sheldon of Alliance NE, Kerri Rolfson of Kent WA, Steven (Helen) McNeil of Auburn IL, Shellie McNeil of Grandview IL.
11 Grandchildren Sarah (Trey) Culbertson Bellingham WA, Matthew (Tessa) Dabbs Blacksburg VA, Sidney Panissidi Everett WA, Lauren (Clint) Bainter Chatham IL, Claira Rolfson Denver CO, Lucas (Emma) Rolfson Vancouver WA, Morgan McNeil Chatham IL, Jullianna Bracco Columbia MD, Sophie Rolfson Kent WA, Charlotte Bracco Grandview IL, Victoria Bracco San Diego CA.
3 Great Grandchildren Elliott Curry, Zoey McNeil, and Isla Culbertson
He was preceded in death by his parents, In-Laws Harold and Ruth Iversen, and Brother-in-law Lindsey Herrell
George was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend and Mentor
He will be greatly missed by many.
Memorials may be sent to Amaranth Diabetes Foundation c/o Kathy Thisted 2422 Ontario St, Bellingham WA 98228-4024 OR Flatlanders Chapter NWTF c/o Ramona McNeil 211 Breckenridge Rd, Chatham IL 62629.