Neal A. Middendorf, 58, of Marissa, Illinois, born on August 19, 1954 in Red Bud, Illinois, passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, February 2, 2013. He was a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church, United Mine Workers Local #1870 and a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local #268. Neal, along with his son Travis, owned and operated Neal’s Heating and Cooling, Inc. in Marissa, Illinois for over 20 years.

Neal was a generous man with a great sense of humor. His Catholic faith was very important to him, as was his family. He instilled in his children hard work ethics. Neal was gifted with woodworking skills, he was an avid Mopar fan, enjoyed cooking for the family on Sunday afternoons, watched “Gunsmoke” reruns and did a darn good John Wayne impression.

Neal was preceded in death by his father, Hugo F. Middendorf, sister, Sharline and an infant brother along with father-in-law William “Bill” Vandiver.

Surviving Neal is his devoted family, wife, Susan O., nee Vandiver, Middendorf whom he married on June 22, 1973. Three children Pamela (Darrin) Root, Travis (Melody) Middendorf and Laura (Derek) Davis. Six grandchildren, all special in their own way: Elizabeth and Rebecca Root, Grace and Tanner Middendorf and Allison and William “Will” Davis.

Other family includes his mother Dorothy, nee Neal, Middendorf, mother-in-law June, nee Koch, Vandiver. Brothers, Michael (Patricia) Middendorf, Curtis (Kathleen) Middendorf, Bruce (Hope) Middendorf and sister Mary Hatley, sister-in-law Trudy (Doug) Nalley and brother-in-law Kevin (Gayle) Vandiver along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. William Chapman, Dr. Erin Maynard and Dr. Benjamin Tann, and the staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for their dedication and care and also the love and care given to Neal and his family at the New Athens Home or the Aged, New Athens, Illinois. He had been diagnosed with Cholanfiocarcinoma in June of 2012.

Memorials in honor of Neal’s life are appreciated to the Macke Senior Center in Marissa, Illinois, St. Agatha Parish or New Athens Home for the Aged, New Athens, Illinois.

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, Illinois on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm (Prayer service will be held at 4:30pm on Tuesday) and on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 from 9:00am to 9:30am.

Funeral: A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:00am with Father James Nall officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held in St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.

1. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   What a special person he was so kind to everone, my blessing to his wonderful family may you fine peace in knowing how much he will be miss in marissa.he love susan so much. his kids were special people and wow what wonderful grandkids. he leaves a great heart in all left behind. i will miss you my cancer hero and buddy.

   Posted by: carol rogers – Marissa, IL – FREIND Feb 03, 2013

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2. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   Sorry for your loss, to Susan, the kids, grandkids ,Dot and family…..you have our sympathy…..may you dwell on all the happy moments you shared….Stan and Bev Lewis

   Posted by: Bev and Stan Lewis – Marissa, IL – cousin Feb 04, 2013

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3. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   We are truly sorry for the families loss. May God comfort & heal you .

   Sincerely, Bill & Angela Marler

   Posted by: Bill & Angela Marler – Marissa, IL – freinds Feb 04, 2013

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4. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   He was such a wonderful man so very gracious and giving and kind. The last time I saw him was in the summer of 2004 at the family lake house. Was a wonderful family reunion and was so happy I could be at it. Was wonderful seeing everyone after so many years. He will be missed by many. His mother is my first cousin on my mothers side. May our God wrap his arms around his family at this time. Sincerely Carol (Whitmore) Druppal

   Posted by: Carol Druppal – McGregor, TX – Cousin Feb 04, 2013

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5. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   When I think of Neal, my first thought was of the eulogy he delivered at his father, Hugo’s funeral Mass. One of the best I’ve ever heard.

   Rest in peace, Neal.

   Posted by: David Luecking – Saint Louis, MO – cousin Feb 05, 2013

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6. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   Pam I am truly sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family in this time of need. He is truly in a better place now.

   Posted by: Brandi Kaufman – Troy, IL – friend Feb 05, 2013

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7. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   We are sorry for your lose. Neal was a good friend in life and business and we enjoyed talking every time we met. He will be missed.

   Posted by: Robert Kearns and family – New Athens, IL – friend Feb 05, 2013

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8. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:16 am

   To Susan & family,

   Even as far back as school, Neal was always kind, shared a smile with all making everyone feel welcome. He was genuinely a nice man with a good heart……..the best representative of Marissa.

   May God comfort you with every memory of your lifetime of love with your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Know that you are in my prayers.

   Christine Kilman Wesselman

   Posted by: Christine Kilman Wesselman – classmate Feb 05, 2013

   Reply
9. Administrator says:

   06/30/2018 at 1:15 am

   My dearest sympathy for Travis and family. Tho I didn’t know Neal that well, I did know Travis. I know what it’s like to lose a parent.

   Posted by: Kathy Nuernberger Feb 07, 2013

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10. Administrator says:

    06/30/2018 at 1:15 am

    We were so shocked to hear of Neal’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

    Posted by: Jim and Tabitha Knope Feb 11, 2013

    Reply