Obit: Dressler, Neal James (1939 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brassard, Dobbs, Dressler, Evjen, Liebelt, Milling, Olinske, Restad, Starck

----Source: The Cornell Courier-Sentinel (Cornell, WI) 10/20/2017

Dressler, Neal James (6 MAR 1939 - 18 OCT 2017)

Neal James Dressler, 78, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 18, 2017, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

Neal was born March 6, 1939, in Owen, to Elaine (Brassard) and Harold Dressler. He first attended school in Jump River. When his family moved to Cadott, he attended school there and graduated with the Class of 1957 at Cadott High School.

Following graduation, he moved to Renton, Wash., and worked at Boeing Aircraft. He convinced high school sweetheart Judith “Judy” Milling to meet him there, and they were subsequently married Oct. 10, 1958.

Before returning to their home state in 1960, they welcomed a daughter, and later added another daughter and son to their family. Neal and Judy recently celebrated 59 married years together.
Neal was known for his hard work ethic, and took over Corner Motors from his father, where he remained until his retirement in 1994.

When he had free time in his younger years, he enjoyed taking his family camping and fishing.
Upon retirement, he continued to pursue his passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed many seasons of hunting and fishing, including taking trips to Canada and out west. His favorite trip was a trek to Alaska hunting for bighorn sheep. One of his greatest fulfillments, was passing this passion on to the next generation, particularly to his five grandchildren, who all followed in his footsteps with hunting, fishing and trap shooting.

He is described by his family and friends as a man with a terrific sense of humor, memorable stories, an infectious laugh and a heart of gold. Neal and Judy wintered in Arizona for 22 years and had plans to return there this winter. They befriended many other “snow birds” through the seasons, and considered Mesa, Ariz., a second home.

Neal was a role model for many and a valued leader in the community. He was a member of the Cadott Lions Club for 35 years, a charter member of the Wilcox Sportsman Club, and belonged to a trap league at Rio Salado shooting range in Arizona. He never decreased his standards of shooting 25s, and his many awards and trophies prove his commitment to the sport over the years. In recent years, Neal also played pickleball, softball, and mastered the computer and internet, which became a special way for him to stay connected with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife – Judy; daughters – Wanda (Greg) Restad, Augusta, and Joleen (Tim) Evjen, Cadott; son – Steve (Trudy) Dressler, Cadott; grandchildren – Erin (Scott) Liebelt, Eau Claire, Josh Restad, Eau Claire, Jenna Starck (Ward Dobbs), Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Jake Restad, Eau Claire; great-grandchildren – Gabbi and Griffin Liebelt, Eau Claire; brother – Eugene (Barbara) Dressler, Cadott; sister – Sharon Dressler, Cadott; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; and his excitable springer spaniel – Briley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson – Shaun Starck, Cadott; and longtime hunting springer spaniel – Higgins.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Cadott United Methodist Church in Cadott, with the Rev. George Olinske officiating. Interment followed the services at Brooklawn Cemetery in Cadott.

Visitation was from 11 a.m. until the time of services Saturday, Oct. 21, at the church.
Leiser Funeral Home in Cadott is assisting the family.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.leiserfuneralhome.com.