Raymond “Ray” Neels, age 87, of Marshall, Minnesota, died peacefully and surrounded by his family on Monday, December 28, 2020, at his residence. Due to pandemic restrictions, private funeral services are on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Grace First Parish, Russell, Minnesota. Interment will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. A walk-through Visitation, open to the public will be held on Friday, January 1, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home, Marshall, Minnesota. The afternoon concludes with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Occupancy limits and social distancing must be observed throughout all services. Masks are required at all public indoor gatherings. The family would like to thank Avera @ Home Hospice for all the wonderful care Raymond received during his time of need. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out to Avera @ Home Hospice or to a charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements are with the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall.
Raymond Charles Neels was born on February 28, 1933, to Charles Francis and Elsie Emma (Possail) Neels at home in Coon Creek Township, Russell, Minnesota. He attended Country School District 70 until grade 7, when the country school consolidated with the Russell School District. Raymond temporarily quit school until his friends convinced him to come back after 6 weeks, and upon returning to school, he met the love of his life, Carol. Raymond was a 1951 graduate of Russell High School. Shortly after graduating, in 1952, Raymond became sick with Bulbar Polio and spent six weeks recovering at Sister Kenny Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On October 16, 1953, Raymond was united in marriage to Carol Dahlquist and began to farm. To this union, 6 children were born: Bernard, Daryl, Richard, Mary, Jan, and Karen. In 1959, the couple moved to their family farm, where they lived and farmed until moving to Marshall in 2018. Raymond Neels died on Monday, December 28, 2020, at his residence in Marshall, Minnesota. He had reached the age of 87 years and 10 months. Blessed be his memory.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol Neels of Marshall; children, Bernard Neels of Palm Beach, FL, Daryl (Kathy) Neels of Lynd, Richard Neels (Kathy Beaird) of Houston, TX, Mary (Dennis) Petersen of Russell, Jan (Joe) Krogman of Marshall, Karen (Joel) Kor of Lynd; 14 grandchildren, Amanda (Jeremy) Lehman, Jennifer Neels, Kimberly Neels, Amy Mayer, Leslie (Wayne) Ford, Hayley Neels, Kayla (Dalton) Werkman, Kristine (Andy) Van Damme, Jon Krogman, Jordan (Jaci Price) Krogman, Jestin (Theresa) Kor, Tom (Stephanie) Kor, Brent (Danielle) Traen, Melissa (Granger) Maranell; 33 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Duane Goodmund of Marshall; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elsie Neels, and his sister, Rosella Goodmund.
