Earl E. McNeal
Earl Ernest McNeal of Elkader passed away after a short illness on Aug. 31, 2024, at 96 years of age. He was born near Bear Creek, Elk Township, Clayton County, on Aug. 16, 1928.
In his youth, he was active in 4-H and a member of the Clayton County judging team at the Waterloo Cattle Congress. He graduated from Elkport High School in 1946, and left Clayton County to seek his fortune in Cedar Rapids working for Wilson’s Packing. But, he returned to the Neala Holstein Farm to help his folks.
In 1948, he married Irene Fisher and to this union four children were born: Eric (Verna Bachman-White) McNeal; Cinda (Jack) Crosley of Pflugerville, Texas; Dennis (Kathy - deceased) McNeal of Guttenberg; and Daniel (Kate) of Cedar Rapids. Ernie and Irene worked hard on the farm, eventually relocating to Strawberry Point, where they owned and operated the Strawberry Motel on Highway 3. During his life, he worked for Moyna Construction of Elkader as a heavy equipment operator.
In 1988, he married his “soulmate” Geraldean Harnack Kuehl and together they owned and operated McNeal Auto Sales for 18 years. It was the longest running used car dealership in Elkader, a source of pride for him. Later, he became more active raising beef cattle on the family farm. He loved his family, cars - whether buying, selling, racing or repairing, raising cattle and the family farm.
Ernie is survived by three of his four children, his step-son Dave Kuehl, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Olga; his two sisters, Dorothy Rizer of Edgewood and Eileen Kuehl of Strawberry Point; his wife, Geraldean McNeal; his oldest son, Eric McNeal; and his daughter-in-law, Kathy McNeal.
He lived a long, fulfilled life working hard to maintain his independence until the end. Blessings and cheers to a life well lived.
Visitation and service were Sept. 7, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, with Pastor Paula Anderson officiating. Inurnment was at the Hansel Cemetery, Garber.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.
