"My sincere sympathies to the entire family on your loss. The very large community-wide turnout at the Cathedral spoke volumes as to how he was so revered."
In loving memory of
NEAL F. GREEN
November 1, 1937 - September 19, 2010
Neal F. Green, age 72, of Marquette, began his eternal life on Sunday, September 19, 2010, following a boating accident on Lake Superior near Little Presque Isle that also resulted in the passing of his good friend, Joe December.
Neal was born on November 1, 1937 in Marquette to the late William J. and Kathleen (Schmeltz) Green. Neal was a lifelong Marquette resident. He was a graduate of Bishop Baraga High School class of 1956 and served in the Army National Guard Reserve from 1956 – 1959.
In 1960, Neal joined the Marquette City Fire Department where he climbed through the ranks eventually retiring in 1988 after 28 years of service with the rank of Captain. During his career, Neal educated countless children about fire safety and prevention and was a member of the Michigan State Firefighters Training Council. In 1973 Neal was honored as the Kiwanis Firefighter of the year.
Neal's involvement with St. Peter Cathedral and School included past president of the parish council for many years, school board member and junior high basketball coach. Neal was also president of the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association for 10 years.
During Neal's off duty and retirement time, he had a well known painting business and was quoted many times as saying: "I have painted most of Marquette."
Neal was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He touched the lives of so many and he was always willing to help or offer assistance with open arms and a big smile.
Neal had a robust exuberance for hunting, fishing and NMU football and hockey. His other favorite activities included playing pinochle and cribbage with his buddies, cooking (signature dishes were fish boils, canned venison and bacon spaghetti), canning, hiking and traveling. At his beloved Lakehouse in AuTrain on Lake Superior that he shared with his soul mate and wife, Julia, Neal enjoyed bird watching and feeding the birds especially his eagles, seagulls, ducks and sandhill cranes. At the Lakehouse, Neal and Julia also planted many fruit trees for future canning projects. Neal referred to the Lakehouse as his sanctuary and a place of peace and abundant love.
Neal loved Lake Superior and some of his happiest times were fishing on the lake, oftentimes in front of the Lakehouse in his boat, "Neal's The Limit." Neal rarely returned to shore without his limit of lake trout and in 2005, he was awarded the Best Fisherman on Lake Superior by the South Shore Fishing Association.
Neal is survived by his wife, Dr. Julia I. Frei; two daughters, Julie Ann (Don) Giackino and Cynthia Lou DePetro, both of Marquette; three sons, Todd Francis (Denise) Green of Three Forks, MT, Patrick Michael Green of Phoenix, AZ, and Jeffery Allan Green of Marquette; his grandchildren, Ian Bur, Todd Neal Green, Dustin Green, Chandler Green, Raquel Green, Joshua Green, Justin Green, Jacob Green, Stephanie Mell, Steven Mell, Shannon Mell, Thomas "Tad" DePetro, Alicia DePetro, Kayleigh Green, Cameron Jeffery Green, Anthony Denning, Andrew Witham, Aurelia (Anthony) Ewan; six great grandchildren; three brothers, Deacon William J. (Concetta) Green, III, Scofield, WI, J. Garth (Gail) Green, Iron Mountian, MI, and Robert E. (Gail) Green of Marquette; aunts and uncles, Isabel Green of Marquette, Robert (Agnes) Green of Marquette, James (Connie) Green of WI and James (Ruth) Luke of Marquette; Carol Green of Marquette; his mother-in-law, Betty L. Frei of Marquette; father-in-law, Clifford Malnor of Marquette; brother-in-law, Frank E. Frei; also many nieces, nephews and cousins, and his faithful and loving Golden Retriever, Sophie.
Neal was preceded in death by his father, William J. Green; mother, Kathleen (Schmeltz) Green, and his first wife, Virginia (LaChapelle) Green.
Visitation will be on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Michael Steber officiating, the Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of Marquette and the Most Rev. James H. Garland, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Marquette in attendance.
Pallbearers will be Joe McCarthy, Tony DePetro, Chic Koski, Salvatore Sarvello, Mike Quayle, Joe Gregorich, Werner Peterson, and Neil Greenleaf. Honorary bearers will be Harold Anderson, Jack Harman, Clifford Malnor, Frank Frei, Mike Lusardi, Richard Hines, and members of the Marquette City Fire Department.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Marquette General Foundation to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 580 W. College Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Neal's memory.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Cindy,Jeff,Julie,Todd and Pat I'm so sorry for the sudden loss of your Dad. Goodness knows I loved that man like my second Dad. While I was going to NMU and staying with your parents they were so good to me.Generous beyond measure to me and many others. Neal's glint of mischief in his eyes and constant jokes and puns are priceless. God bless all of you-I love you."
"Sorry to hear of Neal's accident. I have great memories of fishing on the big lake and our incredible catches. I will keep you in my prayers."
"I have fond memories of Neil and his family from my days in Upper Michigan. Neil and my dad, Burt had been friends for years. What a tragic loss. Neil was a man who made a difference in the world, and had a positve, loving influence on many more people than he realized. God bless him and his family"
"I will never forget how Neil let me ride with him some times when he was delivering laundry. My mom and sister Julie Ann remember all thegood times on Waldo St when Todd was a baby"
"Yesterday we said good-bye to a great man who was well loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him and appreciated his smiling face, quick wit and awesome story telling ability. Neal Green was a true hero, to his community, his friends and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Todd, Pat, Julie, Cindy and Jeff for the loss of your father and to Julia for the loss of your best friend/husband and to brother's Bill, Garth and Bob for the loss of your brother. Good-bye Uncle Neal, good luck catching your limit everyday in heaven. God Bless you all!"
"My sympathies go out to Dr Julia Frei and family in the loss of her soulmate. Remember all the memories you have shared with Neal. Someday you will be together again in another world."
"I would like to express my sadness to the Green family. It is a great tragety and a great loss to our community. My thoughts and prayers are with you all"
"To the Green Family,our sincere condolances.Just Know our prayers are with you all. We are very sorry we did not get to the church, but do to circumstances beyond our control we did not make it. Love Dan & Carol O'Neill"
"Green Family, We were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Neal's untimely death in his beloved Lake Superior. Gail's dad, George Hoppe, and Neal were firemen and our families became very close. We shared many happy moments together; memories we will never forget. He was hard-working and hard-playing. Always a smile and always a joke and ready to give you the shirt off his back. We will miss him and deeply regret that we could not be with you at his funeral. Our love and prayers to you all. Sincerely, Gail and Doug Miller"
"Cindy, Jeff, and Julie: We are so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times with your dad, and keep the faith. He is in a better place and you will see him again. You guys are so close; lean on each other to get through the difficult days ahead. I wish we could've been in Marquette to give you big bear hugs. Love to you all."
"To Dr Frei and the Green family, Since I received the tragic news of Neals' passing, the memories of Neal have filled my mind. Memories going back 64 years starting at St Michael's, on thru the parties, "updaroad" adventures and the basketball team at Baraga and fishing trips on the Lake on my return visits to Marquette-- a true "fishermans'friend" Neal is missed and being prayed for "all over the world" Jim Becker Pattaya, Thailand"
"To the family: Due to work I am sorrry to have missed the service. Truly sorry for the loss of your father,husband. Living less than two blocks away growing up, I saw Neal quite frequently, at Cals Party store, painting around the neighborhood, or backing his boat back down the driveway. Always smiling!!! He even helped me out as a youngster by giving me a dollar or two for the suckers I snagged down inside the old ore dock so he could use them for bait on the lake. Again, very sorry for your loss, his presence and smile will be missed. Jeremy Beerman"
""Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Frei and her family. We met briefly at the Chippewa County Fair and feel so fortunate to have had this time together. We are sorry about the tragic accident.""
"To the family of Neal Green: Just an old class-mate who played basketball with him at Bishop Baraga. We had some good times and although I have been gone a long time, still think about those days. I know he will be dearly missed. My condolences."
"To the family of Neal Green, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Jeff, your dad was a great guy plenty of old time memories when I think of him. Mike and Paula Sarvello"
"To Julia and all of Neal's family. Neal was a dear friend dating back to grade school. A fun-loving person who always put others before himself. His fish boils' and canned venison were to die for and we suspect the fish in Gitchegummee will still tremble at the mention of his name. God speed Neal. You are in our prayers."
"GREEN FAMILY, WE ARE SO SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF NEAL AND JOE. OUR VERY DEEPEST SYMPATHY."
"Dear Green Family & Sister-In-Law, Carol Labine: I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Neal was a dear friend of my sister's, Mary Brodeur, and spent many happy times at our home. I'm thinking of you through this time."
"Our condolences to the Green family. David and Barbara L'Huillier Tuch Egg Harbor, Wi"
"My prayers are with you at this time. Your father aka Uncle Neal always had time for all of us fishing camping, Not one but all included...you are all in my thoughts not just know but always..."
"Julie, Bob and I are deeply saddened by the tragic and unexpected loss of your father. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Julie and Bob Schorr"
"My heart goes out to the family of Mr.Green. I met him when I was a little girl who lived across from the third street station. He always said hello and gave a smile and ever since meeting him back some 25 yrs ago he would still stop and say hello and give that smile making you feel important and special. I can remember looking for him in his clown suit in the parades.He will be missed very much! I am truly sorry for your loss!"
"Dear Neal Green family, It's always hard to lose the ones we love. These are the times when we truly appreciate our religious foundation. It is your faith in God that will carry you through this difficult time. I extend my deepest sympathy to each of you in this time of great loss. Our family friendship goes all the way back to Ishpeming where our mothers were dear friends. Our families have celebrated together often, but now we support you in your grief. Neal will continue to be loved and memories of him will be cherished forever. He was an exceptional man on Earth. May he rest in peace."
"I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR THE TRAGIC NEWS ABOUT NEAL. HE WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE WITH. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYES GO OUT TO ALL THE FAMILY. BOB AND BEV MARTIN"
"I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR THE TRAGIC NEWS OF NEAL. HE WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE WITH. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYES GO OUT TO ALL THE FAMILY. BOB AND BEV MARTIN"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Green and December families at this time. sincerely' Bruce Pesola"
"Prayers and thoughts to all. I will so miss your smile and your daily count of fish."
"To Neal Green Family I am so sorry to hear about Neal. May God be with you and keep you strong. friend&Classmate. Dave Bartlett"
"Todd,Pat,Julie,Jeff and Cindy I was so shocked and saddened when I heard about your dad. I always looked for him at the hockey games, it was always good to see him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Dr Frei, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. cheryl"
"To the Neal Green Family Both Bill and I wish to express our deepest sympathy in the passing of Neal. He shall be missed by many and you are in our prayers. Sincerely,"
"To the family of Neal Green: So sorry we are unable to be with you during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Gordy and Kay LeDuc"
"Julia and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time."
"To the Green Family, It's always hard to lose our loved ones. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you all. Neal was such a great guy. He will be greatly missed by so many."
"I had the chance to fish and deer hunt with Neil. He was a great guy. He always made me feel like one of the family. He also coached my basketball team at ST. Peters. Take Care. DAVE A. BALBIERZ"
"The pipes,the pipes are calling.From glen to glen and down the mountain side.The summers gone and all the roses falling.It's you, it's you must go and i must bide. RIP Neal. Your loved ones welcome you home."
"Fisherman no doubt he was Hunting was his next because He loved to be in the outdoors. Also remembered as a wonderful husband,father,brother and grandfather.. Across the counties his name will remain as the man who had a wide grin and big heart that beat within"
"to julia green and family we want to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. danny knew your dad when they were both younger, and we know julia through our family. our prayers are with you. daniel and marilyn britton"
"To Neal's family, I didn't know Neal really well, but he had the gift of making me feel like we had been life long friends whenever I was in his presence. I will always remember him for his great smile and love of life. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"To the family of Neal Green, My heart is broken for the tragic loss of your Beloved Father, Husband, Brother & Grandfather. God Bless all of you. For Neil was one of the kindest men I have known. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 Sincerely, Mary Beth Yuma- Thompson"
"Your father was a gem, always giving a smile, wink, and wave. I can remember him painting our house when I was a child and thinking a real fireman is painting our house it was so cool. My husband remembers your Dad grabbing him when ever he'd walk by the fire station and letting him sit in the trucks or buying him penney candy at the store. We are sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"To the Green Family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Neal was one great guy. Mike & Judy Stenglein"
"Dear Dr. Julia (& Neal's family), We were saddened/shocked Sunday afternoon to learn of your great loss of our longtime friend. We extend our very deepest sympathy & share your loss. Neal was a very cheerful, kind, considerate, thoughtful, and generous man. We will always remember him as a special person. May God be very near you to comfort you. We would have been message #6 but it would not enter when we tried before. You will continue to be in our thoughts!"
"It is with sorrow we read of Neil's passing. We met briefly while holidaying in Marquette in 2003 and have remembered him with affection. Thinking of his family and friends. Linda and Gary Sunderland."
"My prayers are with you all today in this sorrow time. I will miss Grandpa neil very much, Its been along time since i was on the boat with him but I still remember it like yesterday. you will be in my thoughts. Love and miss you all!"
"Julie & Family: Im so very sorry for your loss. Please know that Im thinking and praying for you all!"
"I will miss my friend and fellow fisherman. I will miss the stories and debates over different fishing meathods. I will miss the old firehall stories he told me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family"
"May god be with you.Rest in peace"
"Dear Dr. Frei and Green Family- Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Neal was such a vibrant man and will be greatly missed."
"I did not know Mr. Green personally but have met him through Fire Safety training sessions at Norlite Nursing center. He impressed me as a kind, gentle and caring person to everyone he met. He was easy to talk to and made me feel that he cared about what I was discussing with him. I know he will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Dear Cindy, and Family, I am so sorry for you loss. Your in my prayers."
"Garth and family of Neal, My sincere condolences go out to your family at this most difficult time. Keep his memories close in your hearts and he will live on forever. Vicki (Hawes) Raatz"
"My heartfelt sympathies to all of you. I am so very sorry for your loss."
"Dr. Frei, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your soulmate. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Please know that you are in my prayers and may God give you comfort and strength to endure this terrible tragedy. Neal is such a special person and I pray that he is safe in the arms of God now."
"Garth and family......sending hugs and prayers to you, we were very sad to hear of Neal's death. He was a special man with a special family. Love, Bobbi and Darrel"
"Dear Julie, Cindy and Jeff: Please accept from Jean and I our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. He was a great man who did great things for this community and he will be sadly missed."
"Dear Family, my deepest sympathys to you and your family. I have alot of memorys of your dad from when i was little and i think of him and your mom fondly. Bridget Racine"
"Dear Julie, Jeff and Cindy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. May God give you strength and lots of love so that you may find comfort in each new day."
"Dr Frei and the Green Family You are in my thoughts and prayers. Neal was a special person to all who knew him. Always had a smile on his face and always said "hello". He will be greatly missed. God's Peace and love."
"To Doctor Frei, Julie, Cindy, Todd, Pat, Jeff, Bill, Garth and Bob. I am so sorry to hear about Neal. We go back many years and with beautiful memories of time shared. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Mary Brodeur (Auntie Mary)"
"I remember meeting Neal when i worked at Northern Stationers. It was around the Christmas holiday and he came in dressed up in a santa suit and we had to have our pictures taken with Santa. A few years later when i owned the Blooming Jungle flower shop i had a flower delivery to the Green house for Virginia, not only did i deliver the flower but was asked to come in & sit and visit with the family. Any time I saw Neal he always had a smile and a hug. What a loving wonderful family.Cherish the memories, i am sure that you all have many, they will help you get throught the tough times. My God bless and hold each of you in comfort. My deepest sympathy to Neals family and friends. Dawn Lambert"
"Dr. Frei and the Green Family - Our hearts and prayers are with you all at this sad time in your lives. Neil was a gentle and caring person and always had a smile and hello to everyone! He always had that big smile for everyone to see.... Our thoughts are with you all. Steve & Betsy"
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathy for your loss are with you at this time. Sending our heartfelt thoughts your way from Texas! The Tourish Family, Lori (Reynolds), Paul, Zack and Seth"
"Cindy, Todd, Pat, Julie and Jeff: Thinking of you all and remembering what a great dad you guys had. I'll always remember visiting the house on Blemhumber and being offered some of that fantastic homemade antipasto of his to enjoy while he told his funny stories and jokes. He was so generous too - seems like I always left the house with a few jars in hand! With deepest Sympathies."
"We are so sorry to hear of Neal's accident. Neal was a friend and a classmate of Jean's and he will be missed by all who knew him. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed all of it. Heaven has a special person joining it's ranks. Our deepest sympathies are with you and all the family. Harold and Jean"
"to the neal green family...deepest sympathy..may the lord hold neal close..a good man..david st onge, ishpeming"
"My deepest sympathy. He wss a good man and a good friend"
"Dear Jeff, Julie and Green Family- Sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Julia and the whole family. Neal was a generous, joyous person who made our lives better by being part of them. He will be missed greatly."
"Neal was my friend. He had my back on the Big Lake. In some obscure way I feel like I should have had his. I may not fish that Lake again the way I feel right now. Then again Neal would not allow me to give it up. I am so sad right now. We have a brotherhood out on those waters and we lost a brother. I will never forget Neal. I already miss him."
"Dear Green Family and all who loved Neal, I was so saddened to hear of Neal's passing. He was a gentle soul with such a big heart - one that welcomed many people into his lives. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, his passion for fishing, his delicious fish boils, and his genuine heart. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this time."
"Dr Frei, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy. Lauri Weesen"
"Garth, Bill, and the rest of the Green Family: We are so sorry to hear about Neal. You are all in our prayers."
"Dear Jeff Green and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Many condolences to all of you at this trying time. May peace be with you, and much love."
"Jeff, Cynthia and family, My heart and prayers go out to you all on the passing of your dad Neal. He was a great guy who was always smiling and making you feel like a part of that big South Marquette Green family. All of our thoughts and prayers- Scott and Bonnie schmeltzer"
"To the Green family our deepest sympathy on the passing of Neal. Good friend good person, big heart. Mike and Sue Handrahan"
"Neals smile, kindness, and generosity will be missed in our community. Our condolences to his close friends and family know he was a light in many lives. Maggie MacDevitt and Patrick St. Germain"
"Julie, Jeff and Family, Susan and I are so sorry to hear about Neal. We hope that good memories provide comfort during this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"Dr.Frei, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I heard about the accident on the radio this morning driving my NICU baby to kindergarten. Again we are so sorry for your loss."
"Your dad reminded me of my dad Bill Cleary, always a kind word, joking, and a smile that would melt your heart, and make your day! I am so sorry for your loss~"
"To the Green family: My heartfelt sympathy goes out to each of you in Neal's unexpected passing. May the Lord comfort you all and draw you close to each other as you grieve your loss."
"To the Green Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Neal taught me a lot through the years and I will be ever greatful to him. I first met him as a fireman, then a painter, then as a friend and fisherman. He has left Marquette a better place and I hope you will all see the best of him every day for the rest of your lives - I know that I will!"
"Dear Green Family - We are so very sad to hear of Neal's passing. I will miss his smiling face at the hockey games and city band concerts. He was a gem of a man and will be missed by many. I'll never forget that huge smile of his. Don and Terry Johnson South Marquette"
"My childhood friends, many wonderful memories. I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Dear Jeff, Cindy, Julie, Pat, Todd & Family, We are so sorry to hear about Neal's passing. He was a good man, he always had a smile and was willing to chat with a familiar young lad from South Marquette about family or his last catch. We will missed him very much. Dave Johnson & Family"
"It is with deep sadness to hear of Neal's passing. He will forever be in our hearts. Neal was a constant in our lives when we were young and living in the township. Neal would always 'check in' with us from time to time to see how we were doing. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Liz Langlois-Ellis George Ellis"
"My heart and prayers go out to the Family.It's such a tradgity for something like this to happened.Neil was my fishing buddy for years.When I was younger he would always take me out fishing,he's one of the few who taught me how to fish.(the old meat hooking trick.He would always tell me were going catching,there going fishing.He would stay out there for ever,most of the time was to get his limit,that would make his day.Neil was always good to me,I always enjoyed being around him for his jokes.He was one best meat hookers I had ever known.Your'e going to be missed by all of us fishermen,so long my good friend.Love ya Bud. Brass"
"Dr. Frei, I can't imagine the loss and pain that you are feeling. Keep your heart open and know that Neal will always be there with you . . . along with all of your NICU babies. Words cannot express my sorrow for you."
"Dear Jeff, Julie,Cindy, Todd, Our thoughts are with you during this tragic time. Neal was a great neighbor to the VanLindens as we were all growing up. His great smile and friendly hello will be missed at the hockey games and the many other social events that we would see him at. We pray that the many fabulous memories you have of this special man will give you comfort. You are all in our prayers. God Bless."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Frei and her family. What a smile! and what a zeal for life. We are sorry about this tragic accident."
"Sorry to hear about your tragic accident. My thoughts are with you and your family."