OBITUARY
Neal A. Worpel
June 11, 1972 – December 2, 2020
“Deutschland ist die nummer eins in der welt.” – “Germany is number one in the world!” is what you’d hear from Neal Alexander Worpel when Germany played soccer and there wasn’t a game he missed. Neal was born in Kelkheim, Germany on June 11, 1972 and his parents, Andreas and Liesbeth, afforded their children the experience to see the world as they traveled for Andreas’ career. Neal, along with older brother Dirk, and younger siblings, Fiona and Julien, called places such as Germany, Pakistan, Nigeria, and South Korea home.
In school, Neal donned the #3 on his jerseys as he excelled in his position of goalie on the soccer team, and setter when playing volleyball. After graduating in 1990 from Seoul International High School in South Korea, he came to the United States when accepted into the business program at Beloit College in Wisconsin. Here, he was treasurer for TKE Fraternity, and is where he also met another international student, from Turkey, Ozlem Ozkonuksever. The pair stayed in contact, and after Neal graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a minor in International Relations, he joined Ozlem in Turkey where the pair shared marriage vows on September 7, 1995.
Like his father, Neal had a flare for languages and picked up the Turkish dialect quickly and after a short stint at selling socks, he began looking for a better opportunity and found what became a rewarding sales career with Cargill Turkey as a Tallow merchant. Here he utilized his education and through this, met clients with whom he established lifelong relationships.
2003 was a year that brought his biggest achievements, as twins Isabella “Naz” and Andreas “Cem” joined the Worpel team. This pair lit up his life and with these additions, he and Ozlem set out for new adventures which came in the form of a transfer, back to the US, in 2006 to Cargill Meat Solutions in Wichita, Kansas. Neal spent 19 years with Cargill before becoming Senior Trading Manager with RCH Enterprises Inc. in 2016.
The words thoughtful, supportive, and caring are just a few to describe a man who also brought humor to into all he did. Neal was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend to anyone he met.
Thankfully, his best friend Ozlem was beside him as he peacefully came to rest on December 2, 2020 in Wichita.
If you are unable to join us in person for Neal’s service please connect with us via the livestream which will be available for viewing on the Lakeview Funeral Home and Lakeview Cemetery Facebook page or you may use the “Join Livestream,” tab under Services, on Neal’s obituary page. The link will go live 5 minutes before the service.
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Neal’s honor to Action Against Hunger – a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/donate/save-lives-end-hunger.
Services
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A Celebration of Life Service
Friday, February 26, 2021
Memories
Neal A. Worpel
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMarc Foo
February 28, 2021
I met Neal in the Cargill Kuala Lumpur office when he was visiting. Imagine our amazement when we both discovered we attended Beloit College albeit I was there for only a short stint.
Lovely chap Neal was. RIP.
Caglayan & Aslı Çavuşoğlu
February 26, 2021
When I first met with Neal, I immediately liked him very much. And this does not happen often. It was because of him, he was so sincere and fun, but hold on maybe the main reason was because he was such a good Rakı fan. So we became close friends and I always enjoyed his company. I still remember that first night very well, we were having such a fun and he was always saying "Abi çok komik yaaa" to me in Turkish, which means "Brother, it's so funny". Yes, he was like a brother to me. One of those nights that I will always remember was when we were living in Bloomington, Indiana. Neal, Özlem and kids were still living in Turkey, and Neal had a business trip to Kansas, he somehow found a time and came all the way to Indiana just to visit us and brought a bottle of Rakı from Turkey. It was a warm spring day, we had our dinner and had a couple of drinks and went out to patio to smoke. Holding a glass of rakı in his hands, he cheered up and cried "Oh my god, I can't believe that I am drinking rakı with you in the middle of Indiana." I still remember that starry night Neal, and I will always remember you as my true brother. See you some day brother. Çağlayan
I do not know what to say, what to write, words are are not enough ... . Neal, you are a sincere, sensitive, loving friend. You are a true brother to us, a dear uncle to Ada. We will miss you dearly.....Aslı"
andres perez
February 19, 2021
I was so saddened to hear that Neal is no longer with us. Neal was one of my best friends back in 7th and 8th grade at SIS in Korea. Always so much fun to be around, always with a smile and great sense of humor, always there when you were feeling down. I wish I had kept in touch more as you clearly were blessed with a great family and group of friends later in life.
I will miss you my friend...
Andres
Suyong Min
February 19, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Cecile Padilla
February 18, 2021
My condolences to Neal's family and loved ones. I got to know Neal in high school in South Korea. He was so likeable because of his humor and openness to different kinds of people. He was truly a citizen of the world! I enjoyed talking to him on those long bus rides to and from school and will remember him fondly.
Arkin Demir
February 17, 2021
I met Neal in Cargill late 90 s in the office in Altunizade. First I thought he was there as a temp from an other office something and after talking to him ,I was simply amazed! What a kind ,cheerful ,optimist person ! He could get along with everybdoy after 5 minutes.
I will never forget his smile ! Sleep in peace my friend !
Brad Kincaid
February 17, 2021
I worked with Neal for many years with Cargill. Great personality and a sharp individual! I remember the day a bunch of us went to watch him become a US citizen and what a proud moment. Continued to stay in touch almost daily after he left Cargill. Was so proud of his kids Cem & Naz as he always talked about them at work. Ozlem , Cem & Naz I’m deeply sorry for your loss at such a young age. May the memories keep you strong and will truly be missed!
Pelin & Markus Bieletzki
January 10, 2021
Dear Neal,
Pelin and I can still not believe....you will always stay in our hearts & memories.
You were such a "warm-hearted" person with a huge heart. You always had a laugh on your tongue.
Good memories comes up - celebrating together the win of the german football team at the european tournament back in 1996 in the streets of Istanbul... you took me around in IST with your crazy car-driving-style with a hand-made German flag (thank you Özlem !) ..you brought me to Fenerbahce stadyum....your romantic wedding with Özlem - 2 days before our wedding. We will always remember you, dearest Neal.
You touched lots of hearts in this world including ours.
Özlem, Naz & Cem - our deep condolences from Pelin & Markus
Muzaffer Pilancıoğlu
January 3, 2021
I just saw that you lost your spouse Mrs. Özlem.. I’m so sorry to hear that.. 😞
I met him twice and in my memory’s he been a very good human and great husband to you..❤️ “A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven..”
I am honored and blessed to have known Neal Alexander Worpel.
God rest his soul in peace!”🙏🏻
Meltem Aydın
January 3, 2021
Dear Dear Dear Neal, there are so many memories I do not know how and where to begin??? You were both my “brother” married to my high school mate sister Ozlem and a great work buddy (I will not say colleague because you were much more than that and a real friend!!) in the good old happy days of Cargill past!! ...💜
Then there is our trip to Lisbon via Zurich which almost did not happen because of the snow!!..
I do not what to say??... You were one of the kindest, sweetest and funniest people I have ever met Nealcim and a great Dad!! My heart goes out to dear Ozlem, Naz and Cem who will I am sure always make you proud from where you are watching!! And we will always remember you as a very very precious friend!! Rest in peace my lovely friend!!
Demet Arik
January 3, 2021
I am very sorry since the moment I have heard of your loss dear Neal. You came into our lives as "yabancı damat" and were loved by each one of us with your great heart, shiny smile and loving eyes. I hope you rest in peace in your new journey, of which no one has any idea. Dear Özlem, Cem and Naz, to loose a loving husband and dad is very hard, no matter in what age you are. Please be aware that me and my family's hearts are with you although we are continents apart. With love, Demet.
Brandon Procell
December 25, 2020
Our hearts go out to Ozlem, Naz, and Cem. Our hearts are heavy and our memories fond. Neal had such a big heart and his legacy will live on through each of you. We will miss you my friend. The world was a better place because of you.
Edel Snow
December 24, 2020
My condolences to Julian and family. Keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Duane Clark
December 9, 2020
I don’t even know where to begin, I was devastated by thee news, my wife called me at work to tell me. Neal came into my life when I was working in the International sales department at Cargill in Wichita, I had actually met him a few years earlier when he visited Dodge City with Tallow costumers. There was rarely a day go by when I was traveling visiting the plants that Neal didn’t call me just to check in. He even joined me on my plant travels quite frequently.
Neal loved his family, he would glow when he spoke about Oz, Naz and Cem. He loved his country, he was my mew agency if I ever wanted to know anything about soccer.
Even after I left Cargill Neal would call and check in from time to time.
He is going to be greatly missed by many people.
My sincere condolences to the family, if you ever need anything call me.
Bye for now my friend.
Alejandro Yarto
December 8, 2020
Dear Worpel Family and Friends
It is with great sadness that I write these words regarding the untimely death of my friend and work colleague, Neal. I only had the pleasure of knowing Neal for a few years and I really appreciated how he would actually pick up the phone and call you to see how your day was going and what we could do together for that day. He was one of a kind and reminded me of how things used to be. He was part of my everyday life and for now, this is over. I still have voicemails from Neal on my phone and I think I will hold on to them to remind me of his kind demeanor and voice.
I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife and children and extended family and friends.
May Neal rest in peace and God bless you all.
Warm regards,
Alejandro Yarto
Abraham Samper
December 8, 2020
Ozlem, my deepest condolences for your tremendous loss of your husband Neal.
Cem and Naz your farher loved you both so very much. My heart is heavy for your loss.
I had the pleasure to work with Neal when he transferred to Wichita from turkey in the international department. He had an incredibly brilliant mind for business dealings and was a very good friend to me. His laughter and sense humor would always brighten our day in the office
Neal you will be missed.
Abraham Samper
Mahir Gorur
December 8, 2020
Dear his family and loved ones,
I am very sorry to hear about Neal’s passing away. Please accept my deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
Please be aware that Neal was loved by many. Be proud of him. Knowing Neal is a big luck. He is the first and only American, i have ever met, who can talk like a Turk, act like a Turk, joke like a Turk...:) he loved Turkey and really appreciated our culture; showing that in every occasion. With his amazing energy, positivity, friendliness and wonderful soul he will remain in our hearts...
Goodbye my friend..
With love,
Mahir S. Gorur
Jeff Yoakum
December 7, 2020
Dear Worpel family,
Deepest sympathies to you. We are saddened to learn of Neal's passing. I enjoyed visiting with Neal about all sorts of topics especially soccer. Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Jeff, Cindy and Sophie Yoakum
Ibrahim Hafizmustafa
December 6, 2020
I was also one of the lucky guys who met Neal and worked with him at Cargill Istanbul. A lot of hard work and so much fun. He was such a great personality with a big, beautiful heart. Not a lot of people can collect so much friends, so much pleasant memories and always remembered with a smile on faces. Neal my friend, rest In peace. Ozlem and kids I am very sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences. Hafiz.
Fazil Osman Yildirim
December 6, 2020
My dear friend Neal has left us unexpectedly, I am very sad to loose a wise friend full of great fun, full of big smiles, full of goodness, kindness and compassion. A great Fenerbace fan who organised us to buy season tickets.
We spent 5 years in the same office in Istanbul, sitting next to each other. We went to football matches together, we drank together, we had long talks. He was an optimist by nature spreading optimism to everyone close to him. Every day of those times will be remembered with laughter.
Özlem, I wish you and the twins my deepest condolences. I can’t possibly imagine what an unexpected and painful loss this will be for you all.
Basiniz sagolsun! Cok üzgünüm, sabirlar dilemekten baska elimden bir sey gelmiyor! Tanri’nın sevgili kulu, isiklarda yürüsün, yattigi yer cennet olsun.
Alp Figen
December 6, 2020
I also met Neal at Cargill, Istanbul. He was such a smart and charming person, with a great sense of humor. He was very proud of his family. He always talked about his wife and children. Unfortunately, we hadn’t seen each other since his move to the US, but kept in touch on social media. I feel very lucky to have known him and he will always be in my memories.
My deepest condolences to his wife, children and family.
Rest in peace Neal.
Alp Figen
Munife Sanli
December 6, 2020
Unfortunately, we are going through tough times that we hear a sad news every other day. But some, like the loss of dear Neal, comes like a blow - so early, so heart breaking... If we accept that life is an enterprise to accumulate good memories, I am sure Neal has left behind a legacy. On my side, I will always remember him with a smile only face, true to my every memory with him. Condolences to his dear family and loved ones.
Chuck Ward
December 5, 2020
I worked with Neal in when he came to Wichita but met him years before when he came to visit a packing plant. We drove to Dodge City and had a blast. He was a true professional with a sharp mind and great repoire with everyone he met. He also had a great singing voice and would make us all laugh singing Madonna's "Like a Virgin" of course changing it to "Like a German." Rest in Peace my friend. You were a true original. For Oz and the kids, stay strong. In time the pain will ease but the great memories will remain forever. God Bless.
Fabrizio Casaretto
December 5, 2020
The passing of Neal made me very sad, I am seriously itouched. We worked together at Cargill Istanbul office for a few years, I handed over the tallow business to him and he made it great. A lovely-hearted friend who was always smiling, adapting himself to all conditions and was proud of his family. Who am I going to call now “ich möchte köfte”? Özlem, Cem and Naz, I wish you patience and strength. Rest in light my friend.
Suphan Akanil
December 5, 2020
I am extremely sorry to hear this sad news . Dear Neal you were always a nice friend and smart colleague to work with at nice good old Cargill days . It's very hard to accept that you left us but your footprint is full with SUPER HIGH ENERGY and SMILING FACE behind you . You were always a man of honor , good fiend for us , excellent husbamd for Ozlem and Super Daddy for Naz and Cem . I will never forget our Fenerbahce matchs that we went together with you . I will always remeber you with your smiling face . Dear Ozlem , Naz , Cem please accept my condolences .
Suphan Akanil
Murat Tarakcioglu
December 5, 2020
I worked in İstanbul office with Niel but in different departments so did not have chance to meet him frequently. In my little exposure, I always admired his high energy , all time smiling face and positive mood as well as his great Turkish. Very sad to hear he passed away but leaves behind very good memories and a father and husband which his family should feel always proud.
Can Okten
December 5, 2020
I am so sorry to hear such a nice guy has been passed away.I was the last guy in Cargill Istanbul who find chance to work with Neal though a short period of time.He was an important character in tallow business with his special relations built by his witt and reliability.We Will miss him a lot for sure.Rest in peace my friend 😞
Özay Büyüktankaya
December 5, 2020
I worked with Neal in Cargill Istanbul office. He was really great friend, great father and big heart. I am so sorry that he left so early. Neal was very proud of his son, his dougter and his wife Ozlem. He is never far away, always in our hearts. It will be missed a lot. My thoughts and prayers are with Worpel family.
Cem Beysel
December 5, 2020
Neal has been one of the most positive persons I‘ve met in life. He had a big heart, a warm personality and a big passion for life. He was a Fenerbahçe fan as if he was born and raised in Kadikoy. Also a true professional who was respected by his colleagues and customers. He listened to his heart and followed Özlem to Istanbul. He loved and admired her. A man of true love. After their move to the US, I’ve had only few chances to see Neal. But each time I enjoyed catching up with him. Our conversations were always as if we have seen each other just a few weeks ago. We’ll miss you Neal.
Özlem, Naz and Cem; please accept my condolences. I wish you all strength during these difficult times.
Fusun Sağdıç
December 5, 2020
I am so sorry that I learn’t Neal’s passing away. Neal and I worked together at Cargill İstanbul office. He was cheerful and smiling person all the time and I will remember him so.
Rest in peace Neal,
My condolences to his wife Ozlem and his children, family.
HUSEYIN HILMI DURAK
December 5, 2020
We’d been very nice relation and good cooperation on business while he was in Cargill Turkey office and kept in thouch after that.
He was nice, gentle ,good friend and had full of sense of humor.
I personally and Durak family are felt so sad.
We send our condelence to his family.
Rest in peace our dear friend Neal.
Nese Tagma
December 5, 2020
I am soo sad, words are hard to find. We lost a wonderful person. Neal and I worked together many years ago in Istanbul. He was a great friend & a great colleague. We traveled a lot together, work with him, was always fun. It was a pleasure to work with, him and was a pleasure to talk to him and spend time with him..... He was smart, witty person , with big good heart, truly a decent person. Rest in piece my dear friend. You will be remembered always. My condolences to Ozlem & Naz & Cem and all the Worpel family. Our hearths and thoughts are with you.
Nese Tagma
John USKUDARLI
December 5, 2020
I was very saddened to learn of Neal's
passing away. Although we hadn't seen each other since his move to the U.S.A.,
I will remember our chats, talks, and simply chit chats while we both worked for Cargill. He was a witty, smart, and possessor of a great sense of humor.
To his grieving wife and family, please accept my sincere condolences.
Rest in peace, my friend.
M. John Uskudarli