RICHARD WENDELL NEER, age 91, of Modesto CA passed away December 26, 2019 while in the arms of his devoted wife of 60 years, Barbara. He was born March 25, 1928 in Griswold IA. At age 2 he moved to California, graduating from Lodi High School in 1946. He worked for Empire Feed before joining the Modesto City Fire Department in 1953. Richard and Barbara married December 17, 1959 and have been inseparable since. Living on Oakshire, they made many improvements to their property and kept their yard a little piece of paradise. A founding union member in the Modesto City Fire Department, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He retired in 1982 after a distinguished career receiving the firefighter of the year award in 1975. Richard enjoyed building and woodworking. He created and sold the Neer’s planter jug terrarium. The proceeds from that hobby led to the purchase of an RV. Richard and Barbara traveled many years by RV.
He was a long-time member of the First Christian Church, serving as deacon until it closed in 2012. At the time of his passing he attended the First United Methodist Church. A fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, he and Barbara would travel to Arizona to watch the Giants on spring break. An ideal way to spend the day would be to bask in the sun while fishing on a lake. Life’s Motto, “Smile, be Helpful, Trustworthy, Considerate and Kind”.
Richard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Brad Veldstra; son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, Don, Margee, and Hannah Neer; daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters, Carin and Mike Dykzeul, Laurie Theil, and Linda Miller. Viewing at Lakewood Funeral Home, Friday, January 10 from Noon to 2 PM followed by private burial. Service, Saturday, January 11, Modesto First United Methodist Church, 850 16th Street at 11 AM.
