Fremont (Pat) McNeal, age 94, entered into Eternal Life on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, after 3 years of devoted care at Maple Ridge Care Center in Spooner, Wisconsin.

Born Fremont Eckert McNeal on January 27, 1925, to Leon and Marie (Eckert) McNeal, in Stillwater, MN., Pat was an infant when his family relocated to Burnett County, 10 miles out of Webster, on County Trunk A. With his older sister Leona, he'd walk 2 miles from the family farm, to the Jackson School House, where a handful of local children attended daily classes. A very young teacher named Esther (Conroy), tended to teaching, and maintenance, and janitorial duties. Pat and Esther remained neighbors and friends for nearly 9 decades.

In the summer of 1943, as still a teenager, he enlisted in the U.S Army Air Force to serve his country during World War II. Stationed in France and other parts of Europe, he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1946. Having left high school before graduation, Pat was given an honorary diploma from Webster High School in 1994. Once back in Jackson Township in 1946, Pat and his dad Leon, (known to everyone as Mac), built and opened the Lone Pine Tavern, now the Crow Bar on Highway A.

September 3, 1953, saw the blessed union of Pat McNeal and June Barsheack, in a wonderful marriage that lasted close to 60 years.  Pat lost his beloved "Dolly" in August of 2013. In the early years of their marriage they built and settled in to their home on Bushey Road, where they raised their children, Margaret and Michael.  Pat was well-known throughout the area for his 15 years as Jackson Town Chairman, and for his renown carpentry skills. With his long-time partner, Ainard Leef, they were sought-after builders serving many property-owners on Sand Lake and in Voyager Village.

Survivors include his daughter Margaret Sumner (Mike Lowe) of Alsip, IL, and Mike McNeal of Buffalo, MN; grandchildren Laura (Denis) Dhenin, of Carlsbad, NM, Pam Sumner of Webster, WI, Michael (Tondi) Sumner of Minooka, IL, and Caitlyn and Allison McNeal of Buffalo, MN. Pat was the fond great-grandfather of Danielle and Matthew Sumner, and Colette and Mason Dhenin; and dear uncle of Jim (Carol) Barshack, and Paul (Patty) Barshack. Preceding him in death were his cherished wife, June, his parents, Mac and Marie McNeal, his sister Leona McNeal, and grandson Steven Sumner. He's reunited with many other close friends and relatives, and will be missed by so many more here that he's left behind.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster Wisconsin. A Memorial Service celebrate the life of Pat McNeal will be planned for a future date to be determined.

Last Update: Dec 02, 2019 12:02 pm CST