June 6, 1957, to Gilbert and Maedell (Bomberger) Neeman in Lincoln, Nebraska. He
attended Lincoln Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln High in 1975.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln.
Gary entered the workforce after high school, following in his father’s diesel mechanic
footsteps when he began painting vehicles for DuTeau Chevrolet. His love of autos was
strengthened through his work, and he would soon transition to driving the paved road
as an over the road truck driver for Lincoln Welding. From there, his career would also
involve time at Jones Trucking, ACE Hardware, Crete Carrier, Yellow Freight, and, lastly,
USF Holland. Gary was a proud member of the Teamsters Union for more than 40
years, serving the Local 554 as a Steward and Trustee, and forming a close relationship
with Jimmy Hoffa Jr.
Gary was an avid fan of many things, including softball, golf, the Green Bay Packers,
bowling, riding his Harley Davidson, and, of course, trucking. He was a lover of country,
Motown, and classic rock music. Gary was a natural-born food critic of sorts—he loved
trying and enjoying new restaurants and dishes.
Gary would later go on to meet Sheila Meyer, and the two were married on April 24,
2004. Sheila joined Gary’s existing family and became a mother and grandmother
(“Nena”). In July 2019, the couple welcomed their first great-granddaughter. Together
they built a strong family filled with love and support.
Gary was known to so many as the big guy with an even bigger heart; a gentle giant
who loved and provided for his family while also taking care of others through instant,
lasting bonds he would effortlessly make. Gary would give the shirt off his back to make
sure anyone had what they needed. His countless brothers and sisters in the Teamsters
and American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) knew they could always count
on him to speak up for what’s right, check in with their personal and professional lives,
and simply be there for them. Gary also quickly stepped up and assisted with (or
initiated) disaster relief efforts after various flooding crises and more. His daughter
describes him as a man who was “young at heart and always in tune with current
times,” and those who knew Gary can attest to that.
Those celebrating his life are his wife, Sheila (Meyer) Neeman, daughter Tara,
granddaughters Bryley Holmes and Preslynn Trass, grandson Keaton Trass,
great-granddaughter Mila Valentine, sisters Sandra Kraft and Nadine Neeman, and
sister-in-law Linda Neeman. Also mother-in-law Lola Mae Meyer, sisters-in-law and
brothers-in-law Patty & John Stehlik and Brian & Penny Meyer, along with numerous
nieces and nephews and many family, friends, and loved ones.
Pallbearers are nephews Michael Stehlik, Patrick and Brett Meyer, Daniel Neeman,
Kameron Neeman, and Quinton Hessheimer, as well as friends Chuck Miller and Jason
Nielson. Honorary pallbearers include nieces Sarah and Kayla Stehlik, Brooke Meyer,
Brie Meyer, Lindsey Hessheimer-Barr, Amanda London, nephews Travis Neeman and
Jalen Graham, as well as the brothers & sisters of the Teamsters Union and an
extended family of fellow motorcycle riders.
He was preceded in death by father Gilbert, mother Maedell, grandfather Eldo,
grandmother Marie, brother Larry Neeman, father-in-law William Meyer, and
brother-in-law LJ Kraft.
The family will greet extended family and friends at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home
(6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln) on Sunday, August 14, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m. A
Celebration of Life service will take place Monday, August 15, 2022, at 10 AM at Lincoln
Memorial Funeral Home. Casual attire is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the family for future designation.
