Orlin V. Neels

Orlin Neels, beloved husband of Marilyn Neels, passed away one week after Marilyn, on February 23, 2023 at the age of 93 at the Good Samaritan Home in Syracuse, NE.

Orlin Victor Neels was born on October 30, 1929 in rural Talmage, NE; the son of Hans G. and Frieda A. (Kolsch) Neels.  He attended country school through the 8th grade and then began his lifelong career of being a farmer.  Orlin took great pride in his job.

He entered the United States Army on January 21, 1952 and proudly served his country in the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged on December 30, 1953.  He received the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Orlin and Marilyn were united in marriage on May 5, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Paul, NE.  Marilyn and Orlin raised their family south of Dunbar.  She was a loving housewife and homemaker and was very involved in the day-to-day duties of the family farm.  He was a caring and devoted husband who took good care of Marilyn and his family in addition to the family farm.

They are survived by their children:  Ed (Sharon) Neels, Dean (Barbara) Neels, Richard (Diane) Neels, Mary (Jack) Frary, Ann (Todd) Boellstorff, Nancy (Jeff) Reed and Marla (Tim) Rowe; grandchildren:  Tony (Suzanne) Neels, Karrie (Sean) Dovel, Tyler (Ashley) Neels, Kelly (Scott) Kraus, Ellen (Joe) Brinkman, Andy (fiance’ Lauren) Neels, William Neels, David (Jackie) Neels, Adam (Brittney) Neels, Danielle Neels, Michael Frary, Andrea (Seth) McCormick, Audrey Frary, Jacqueline (Grant) Cole, Patrick Frary, Theresa Frary, Daniel Frary, Taylor (Jared) Kohl, Ryan Reed, Travis Reed, Caroline Reed, Clayton (Sarah) Rowe, Kasey (Robert) Lench and Faith (fiance’ Michael) Rowe; 26 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

They were preceded in death by their parents, beloved granddaughter Brandy Neels, and siblings and spouses:  Francis “Pat” and Irma Kreifels, Jean and Don Wurtele, Joyce and Norman Kempkes, John and Janet Kreifels, Marcene and Allen Burr, Carolyn and Bob Lechner, Raymond Neels and Benna Neels.

Double Funeral Services will be held Monday (2/27) at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paulinus Church in Syracuse, NE.  Fr. Ryan Salisbury will celebrate the Mass and burial will follow in Park Hill Cemetery at Syracuse.

The family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday (2/26) at St. Paulinus Church followed by a Prayer Service/Rosary at 7 p.m.

There will be open visitation from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Marilyn and Orlin on Saturday (2/25) at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City.

Memorials may be given to St. Paulinus Church in Syracuse or the Dunbar Fire Department.

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