Will B. Neeman

Will Burt Neeman was born on February 16, 1981, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the son of Ronald Bert and Sheila Diane (Berry) Neeman. He grew up in Nebraska City, where he attended school and built lifelong friendships that would remain important to him throughout his life.

As a young child, Willie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved being outdoors, especially fishing, riding motorcycles, and participating in sports such as baseball and wrestling. He also had a special love for swimming. His mother, Sheila, enrolled him in Red Cross swimming lessons as soon as he was old enough, and being in the water remained something he enjoyed throughout his life.

One of Willie’s greatest qualities was the value he placed on relationships. Even as a child, he formed strong friendships and carried that same loyalty and care into adulthood. Family and friends were incredibly important to him, and he never took those relationships for granted. He was thoughtful, attentive, and intentional in the way he showed up for others. He listened without judgment, remembered the little things, and genuinely cared about the people around him.

Music was another one of Willie’s passions. He loved discovering new songs and sharing them with others, especially when a song reminded him of someone he cared about. For Willie, music was a way to connect with people and express himself. He even enjoyed creating his own beats and exploring his creative side.

Willie was a talented and artistic person who loved to write and create. He found joy in making things for others and using his creativity to bring happiness to the people around him. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and unique spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

On May 12, 2012, Willie was united in marriage to Kelsey R. Kreifels at the First United Methodist Church in Nebraska City, and to this union their daughter, Rylin, was born.

Willie and Kelsey became the picture of what co-parenting should be. Willie’s greatest joy, and the thing he was most proud of, was being a dad.

He was one of the best fathers anyone could ever witness. Rylin was the center of his universe and the light of his life. Although Kelsey and Willie were no longer together, Rylin would have never known any different. Their friendship, mutual respect, and unwavering bond were unlike anything most people ever get to experience. They always put their daughter first, and together they created a life filled with love, support, and stability for her.

Everywhere Rylin was, and everywhere Kelsey was, Willie was there too. There was never a place Willie couldn’t come because, no matter what life looked like, they remained a family. That says everything you need to know about the kind of man Willie was.

Being a father wasn’t just something he did — it was who he was, and it was the role he cherished most.

Willie was currently employed at Heart Ministry Center in Omaha, Nebraska, a center that provides food, healthcare, and a way forward for people severely affected by poverty in the Omaha area. It was work he truly loved because helping people was simply who he was. He previously worked at Mission Field Treatment Center in Nebraska City, where he also touched the lives of many.

Willie will be remembered not only for the things he loved to do, but for the way he made others feel — seen, appreciated, safe, and deeply loved. His patience, wisdom, kindness, and gentle spirit were gifts to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His absence leaves an unimaginable void, but the love he gave so freely will continue to live on through Rylin, through his family and friends, and through the countless lives he touched along the way.

He is survived by his daughter Rylin Neeman of the home, former wife and best friend Kelsey Neeman of Nebr. City, NE; his parents Ron and Sheila Neeman of Nebr. City, NE; siblings: Bob Angus (Lucas Han) of Tulsa, OK, Chris Angus (Stacy) of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Rebecca “Becky” Stonerook (Mike) of Bellevue; aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Will was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Wally and Opal Neeman and maternal grandparents LeRoy and Violet Berry; uncles: Jerry Thompson Sr., Wally Neeman Jr. and Greg Neeman.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Nebraska City.  Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebr. City.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fri. (6/19) at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City.

In lieu of flowers, a fund is being established for Will’s daughter Rylin for her future education and needs; in care of Kelsey Neeman.

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