Obit: McNeely, Samuel D. (1974 - 2013)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: McNeely, Smith, Brunkow, Luepke, Meyer, Kreklow, Dahlke

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 11 Sep 2013

McNeely, Samuel D. (31 DEC 1974 - 5 SEP 2013)

Samuel David McNeely, 38, La Crosse, went to his eternal rest on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 7 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 9, in La Crosse, and at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Life Tributes Funeral Home, Spencer. A private committal was held on Sept. 11 at the South Green Grove Cemetery, Loyal.

Samuel McNeely was born on Dec. 31, 1974, in Marshfield, to Daniel and DeAnn (Smith) McNeely. He married Amy Brunkow on May 22, 2009. Sam graduated from Spencer High School in 1993. He attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he played right offensive tackle and was a prominent member of the undefeated national champion team of 1995. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. From 1998-2001, Sam worked for the Isola Group/Allied Signal Laminate Systems in quality, research and product development. In 2001, he began his career at City Brewing Company in La Crosse holding multiple positions and currently was the director of quality assurance. He gained his greatest joy from time spent with his family, especially his daughter, Charli. He loved hosting Charli’s spectacular backyard birthday parties with tents and balloons. On her golden third birthday in May, Hans Mayer entertained. Sam’s family meant the world to him and he never wanted to miss a family gathering. This past weekend he celebrated his brother, Paul’s, 40th birthday, in Green Lake. Sam’s family was the first to arrive and he led the weekend with humor and entertainment. He had a special place in his heart for his mother, DeAnn, who helped pave Sam’s journey through life with support and love. His frequent calls to his mother confirmed to Amy early on that he was a good guy. He had a spirit that would light up a room. He made friends easily with his magnetic personality and sense of humor. He did everything with his whole heart. Sam enjoyed gardening, football, hunting, fishing and golf. During his fi rst hunting season with his dad, his brother, Grandpa Ray and his uncles, he shot a 10-pointer with an 18 1/2" spread. Earlier that year he pulled in a 41" northern on a family fishing trip in Canada. Later he would enjoy many pheasant and turkey hunting trips with his father-in-law, Bill Brunkow, and step-dad, Glen Luepke, in South Dakota. Sam and Glen shared an interest in NASCAR racing, attending races in Chicago and Bristol, Tenn.

He is survived by his wife, Amy, and daughter, Charli, La Crosse; his father Daniel (Debra) McNeely, Loyal, and mother DeAnn (Glen) Luepke, Spencer; a brother, Paul (Andrea) McNeely, Marshfield; two sisters, Leslie Meyer, Spencer, and Kristi (Steve) Kreklow, Wauwatosa; a step-sister, Torri (DuWayne) Dahlke, Stratford; two stepbrothers, Josh (Lori) Luepke, Pittsville, and Eric (Tabatha) Luepke, Wrightstown; his paternal grandmother, Erna McNeely, Loyal; his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Smith, Marshfield; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Raymond McNeely and Donald Smith.

Memorials may be made to the Sam McNeely Memorial Fund to be used for causes important to Sam, set up at the Coulee Bank, 1516 Losey Boulevard, La Crosse, WI 54601.

Online condolences may be given to the family at www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com  or www.dickinsonsuneralhomes.com. 

The Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Life Tributes Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.