FRENCHTOWN - William "Bill" McNeal passed away peacefully Saturday, March 7, 2009, at St. Patrick Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born in Bemidji, Minnesota on July 9, 1926, to Harry and Rose McNeal. He attended elementary school in Bemidji and in Iowa. Bill returned to Bemidji and worked on a dairy farm until 1944.
Bill enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II assigned to the South Pacific on the USS Oliver Mitchell. He served proudly in five major campaigns and was honorably discharged in 1946. He again returned to Bemidji and from 1946 to 1949 he worked in the area of refrigeration. Bill moved to Longview, Washington, in 1949, working for Weyerhauser Paper Corp. On December 15, 1949, Bill married Anna Mae Mattison of Bemidji, Minnesota who traveled to Longview.
In 1957, Bill and Anna moved to the Frenchtown area where Bill was one of the original employees of Waldorf Paper Corp. Bill worked firing boilers, moving to foreman in 1963, then later being promoted to senior foreman of maintenance in the Recovery Department until his retirement in 1983.
Bill enjoyed 20 years as a snowbird with his wife Anna in the foothills of Yuma, Ariz. Bill was an avid golfer, playing in the Champion International golf league and continuing on through his retirement as a "weekend" golfer. He also enjoyed playing pool with friends and family at home or in tournaments. Throughout his life, Bill was an avid fisherman loving to cast his line from Ilwaco, Washinton, to Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Family, friends and home life were always the highest priorities in Bill's life.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Rose; his brother Howard "Bud" McNeal; and a sister Margaret "Peg" Zellman.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Anna Mae of Frenchtown; three sons, Thomas McNeal (Patty King) of Missoula, John McNeal (Carol) of Pompey's Pillar and Joe McNeal (Kristi) of Frenchtown; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
At Bill's request, cremation will take place and a private family gathering to celebrate his life. No other services are planned.
Donations can be made in Bill's name to the American Lung Association.
Sunset Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Rest in Peace dear Friend.