----Source: STAR NEWS, Feb. 2, 2000

Raymond McNeely (1923 - 2000)

Former Jump River resident Raymond E. McNeely, 76, Loyal, Clark Co., WI died Thursday, Jan. 27 at his home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 31 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Loyal, with Rev. Roman Kaiser officiating. Burial took place at St. Anthony's Cemetery. Pallbearers were Adam and Amos Smith, Sam, Adam, Matt, Paul, Keith, and Joshua McNeely, Dennis Cepress, David and Scott Treglowne, and Curtis Langemeier.

Raymond McNeely was born on February 9, 1923 at Jump River to the late Ed and Edna (Hehman) McNeely. He grew up on the family farm and received his education at Woodland Grade School in Jump River and graduated from Medford Area Senior High in 1940. After graduation he completed a farm short course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

His marriage to the former Erna Pernsteiner, who survives, took place on February 9, 1944, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. They resided at Jump River and farmed there for three years before moving to Chelsea where they farmed until moving to Loyal in 1950. He farmed in Loyal until his retirement in 1980 when they moved into town.

He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Lady of Fatima Council No. 4963. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

In addition to his wife, survivors include eight sons, Steve (Dixie), Green Valley, Ariz., Mike (Diane), Colby, Pat (Ruth), Curtiss, Jeff, Neillsville, Dan (Debbie), Loyal, John (Jane) and Mark (JoAnn), both of Prairie du Sac, and Luke (Darilyn), Sauk City ten daughters, Mary (Tom) Slagoski, Wausau, Lana (Ron) Ertl and Joan (Steve) Frericks, both of Marshfield, Theresa (Lynn) Smith, Loyal, Kathy (Mark) Meshnick, Neillsville, Ann (Murley) Wheeler, Rockford, Ill., Lori (Dave) Girgenti, Belvidere, Ill., Mara (Jeff) Folz, Howell, Mich., Sarah (Eric) Gunderson, Eau Claire, and Lisa (Scott) Enerson, Prairie du Sac two sisters, Lillian Allman, Medford, and Ellen Taylor, Stanley 64 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Keith, and one sister, Donna.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Ray's name to a place of their choice.