Lynn McNeel, of North Platte, passed away at Great Plains Health on August 30, 2020.
Lynn was born September 15, 1952, to Harold and Loretta McNeel in Sutherland and grew up on the family ranch. When he was 9 years old his father died. Loretta later married Bert Keith and Lynn gained three brothers, Rex, Gary and Bill (who was the only one still at home). The family moved to Grand Island for a few years with Bert's job on the railroad until he was transferred back to North Platte. With this move the family returned to the ranch where Lynn was raised.
He attended Rosedale District #82, a one room schoolhouse, for grade school, then graduated from North Platte High School in 1970. Lynn continued his education at Mid-Plains Community College and loved flying so he took lessons to earn his pilot's license.
In 1976 Lynn married Marilyn Polk on Valentine's Day, which was also her father's birthday. The couple continued to live on the family ranch and to this union four children, Daniel, Katheryne, Amanda and Thomas, were born. The children grew up working and helping their parents on the ranch and attended the same country school as their dad.
Lynn hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1975 and worked as a Conductor. While on a trip headed west to Cheyenne on March 12, 2001, he smelled a putrid odor unlike anything he'd ever smelled before and ended up in the Ogallala hospital. This incident impaired his physical and mental health and led to months of doctor visits and therapy but with hard work and determination he seemed to improve.
Less than a year later on February 2, 2002, Lynn had another life changing event. While driving to a doctor's appointment he experienced a seizure and had a critical car wreck. It was a miracle he even survived. After a couple months in a Denver hospital, he was released and allowed to return home. Lynn was bed bound 'til his legs and wounds were healed enough to begin physical therapy and rehabilitation. Throughout the following years, Lynn had continued health problems resulting in numerous surgeries. Although these hardships shook his faith, Lynn continued to read and study his bible, believing in the word of God. With faith and the love of his family, Lynn was here for 67 years.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their children, Daniel (Crystal) McNeel, of North Platte, Katheryne (Tyson) Kramer, of Mullen, Amanda McNeel, of Columbus, and Thomas (Emily) McNeel, of Broken Bow; grandchildren, Cynthia, Violet, Danielle, Chloe, Landon, Kaiden and Serryn; brothers, Bill (Betty Jo) Keith, of Lakota, ND, Gary Keith, of Evanston, WY, and Rex (Kathi), of Surprise, AZ; and other family.
Lynn was preceded in death by his father, Harold McNeel, and mother and stepfather, Loretta and Bert Keith.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, September 4, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Celebrants Father Josh Brown and Father Mark Seiker. Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.