Loraine John “Beanie” Neff, 94, of Freeburg, IL; formerly of New Athens, IL; born on August 9, 1923 in Paderborn, IL; passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens, IL.

Mr. Neff was a farmer. He was a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church. He was a charter member of Knights of Columbus 3789 St. Pius X Chapter and the Holy Name Society. Mr. Neff was a member of the St. Clair County Farm Bureau.

Beanie lived a farmer’s life, connected to the seasons and the soil. Growing up, he farmed with his father, driving horses in the fields before tractors became common. For most of his life, Beanie lived on and farmed the homeplace of his grandparents, between New Athens and Hecker. There, he and Helen grew grain, milked cows and raised their three children. He retired from farming in 1969, but didn’t stray from agriculture, taking a job with St. Clair Service Co. as an Ag Products Salesman, a situation that suited both his love of farming and his gregarious nature; he loved to talk, especially about farming to other farmers. Upon retiring in 1986, Beanie turned to small scale farming: vegetable gardening and mowing his large lawn. Even in his last years, the weather and the crops occupied his mind. He never really left the land.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Peter and Cecelia, nee Brielmaier, Neff. Two brothers – Herbert Neff; Anthony Neff. One sister – Rita Zoeller.

He is survived by his wife of over 73 years – Helen, nee Brutto, Neff whom he married on November 30, 1944 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Smithton, IL. Two sons – David (Peggy) Neff of Albuquerque, NM; Daniel (Mary Ann) Neff of New Athens, IL. One daughter – Elaine (Ralph Gabellieri) Malek-Madani of Hillsboro, NC. His grandchildren – Emelye Neff; Benjamin Neff; Simon Neff; Nathan Neff; Adam Neff. His great-grandchildren – Jonathan Neff; Cason Neff. One brother – Cyril (Janet) Neff of Belleville, IL. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The Neff Family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the staff at Cedar Trails Assisted Living Center in Freeburg, IL the staff at the New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens, IL and to Vitas Hospice.

Memorials may be made to St. Agatha Catholic School or the New Athens Home for the Aged.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and on Monday, April 2, 2018 from 10:00am to 10:30am.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL on Monday, April 2, 2018 at 11:00am with Father James Nall officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held in St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:30 pm

   We love you Beanie and have many precious memories growing up with you, Helen and your family. My Mom and Dad were some of your best friends and we shared wonderful times together. Am sure there are celebrations going on up in heaven. Give Mom and Dad a hug and kiss from us too. Love always, Donna Rausch-Wilshusen and family.

   Posted by: Donna RauschWilshusen – Omaha, NE – Family Friend Mar 23, 2018

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2. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:30 pm

   Our sympathy to all the family.

   Posted by: Al and Susie Schulz – Jackson, MO – Friend Mar 23, 2018

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3. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:30 pm

   My sympathy to the family. Rest in peace, Beanie.

   Posted by: Mabelene Virden – Vandalia, IL Mar 24, 2018

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4. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:30 pm

   My sympathy & thoughts are with you all in your Husband/Dad/Grandad passing.

   Posted by: Jeanne Jansen – Fairview Heights, IL – Family Friend Mar 24, 2018

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5. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:30 pm

   Dave & Dan,Sorry for your loss!I remember your dad,he was a good guy!You were lucky to have him this long!

   Posted by: Daniel O’Saben – Millstadt, IL – classmate Mar 26, 2018

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6. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:30 pm

   What a truly great guy! He will be missed for sure.

   Posted by: Sue Ann Werner – New Athens, IL – Family Friend Mar 29, 2018

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7. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:30 pm

   My sincerest condolences and prayers fir Helen, David, Daniel, Elaine and the rest of the family. I remember many happy times at the Jeff farm. GOD Bless you all.

   Posted by: William Wilderman – Chesterfield, VA – Family Mar 29, 2018

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8. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:29 pm

   Dear Elaine,

   My sincere condolences to you and your family.Hoping happy memories keep you in comfort.

   Fondly
   Verna

   Posted by: VERNA GABELLIERI – CRANSTON, RI Mar 31, 2018

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9. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:29 pm

   Dear Neff family, so sorry to hear of Beanie’s passing. My prayers are with you.

   Posted by: Jean Lang, nee Schad – Belleville, IL – Family Friend Apr 01, 2018

   Reply