Louise R. Neat

Louise R. Neat, 96, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay on April 24, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born Esther Louise Russel to Martin and Mary (Nicol) Russel on May 21, 1926, in Jacksonville, Illinois.

She was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Springfield High School on June 8, 1944. Louise married William T. Neat on April 15, 1951. She worked at First National Bank from 1944 to 1946 and for the State of Illinois between 1946 and 1991, including the Department of Public Health Vital Statistics, Department of Revenue, and Department of Public Aid.

Louise enjoyed the company of family and friends and knitted in her spare time, creating dozens of beautiful afghans. She was a generous soul, donating to many charities and showering all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with cash and gifts on every birthday and holiday. Louise had been a member of Jerome United Methodist Church since the 1960s and remained a member after moving to Green Bay.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Mary Virginia Dawkins, brothers William “Dub” Russel and James Russel, and son William C. Neat. She is survived by sister-in-law Penny Russel of Springfield, daughter Mary (Nick) Simonelli of Brewster, New York, daughter Kathy (Todd) Gallion of Pulaski, Wisconsin, grandchildren Jennifer, Steven, Adam, and Douglas, and great-grandchildren Alexandra and Gabrielle.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Jerome United Methodist Church, 1570 Reed Ave., Springfield. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jerome United Methodist Church, 1570 Reed Ave., Springfield, IL 62704.

The family wishes to thank Unity Hospice of Northeast Wisconsin, and in particular Tina, Michelle, and Amy, for their compassionate care.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL.