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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Neil L.
Montour
July 23, 1931 – June 12, 2018
Obituary
Neil Loane Montour, age 86, of Shawano, passed away on June 12, 2018, in Appleton. Born on July 23, 1931 in Shawano, Neil was the son of the late Reynolds L. and Alvina M. (Parson) Montour. On August 16, 1952, he was united in marriage to Ila L. Marohl at White Clay Lake Lutheran Church. He adored her; she was the love of his life. Above all, Neil dearly loved his family—for him, being a devoted father, grandpa, and father-in-law meant spending time with his family. Neil loved a good conversation and had great stories, in addition to being a great listener. He was well known for teasing those closest to him. Throughout his life, Neil spent his time playing and coaching sports, hunting, fishing, gardening and woodworking. Neil was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and lived in Shawano most of his life.
A huge part of Neil's life was his 40-year career as a high school educator and coach. One of the highlights of his retirement was his induction as a charter member into the Shawano High School Hall of Fame in 1999, in recognition of his athletic performance during his high school years.
The road to these ends began when Neil attended Valparaiso University on a full four-year athletic scholarship and received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1953. He played football all four years and was elected team captain his senior year. In 1999, Neil was inducted into the Valparaiso University Hall of Fame as a member of the undefeated 1950 class football team.
Throughout his career as a high school educator, he was Head Coach for numerous sports and also served as the Athletic Director. He loved coaching high school sports and had a profound impact on the young people he coached. Neil taught both Physical Education and Driver Education.
Neil began his career in Gilman, Wisconsin (1953 - 1958), teaching Physical Education and serving as Head Coach for football, basketball, volleyball and track, as well as Athletic Director.
In 1958, Neil returned to his hometown, Shawano, Wisconsin. From 1958 - 1962, he taught Physical Education and was Athletic Director and Head football and track coach at Shawano Junior High School. At Shawano High School from 1962 - 1990, he taught Physical Education and Driver Education. He was the Head football coach for 12 years and the Athletic Director for 18 years. Neil also served as the conference Athletic Director for a number of years.
After his retirement in 1990, Neil and Ila enjoyed spending time at their property in White Lake. They loved fishing, boating and just being at the lake during the summer months. Neil and Ila also had a great love for their beloved dogs throughout the years. From his youth on, Neil also very much enjoyed the annual tradition of deer hunting with family and his best friend, the late Dick Zastrow. Neil was an avid Packer and Badger fan.
Neil is survived by: his wife, Ila; four children, Lynn (David) Retan of Sun Prairie, Michael (Jeri) Montour of Shawano, Tim (Ellen) Montour of Menasha, and Lori (Alan) Pennock of Marshall; seven grandchildren, Jim (Jill) Retan, Jessica Montour, Kelly (Jon) Jarosinski, Richie Montour, Neil (Calie) Montour, Angela (Jason) Gennaro, and Scott Pennock; four great-grandchildren, Oscar Jarosinski, Genevieve Jarosinski, Benjamin Retan, and Samuel Retan. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Buettner, and his brothers-in-law, Jim (Mary) Marohl and Steve (Deb) Marohl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Pederson; his brothers-in-law, Jim Pedersen, Roger Buettner, and Leroy Marohl; his sister-in law, Darlene Marohl; and his grandson, Mic Montour.
The family would like to thank Neil's ARCAngels caregivers for the support, care, and attention each of them provided in the last months of his life.
Private family services are being held. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shawano Humane Society.
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