Obituary of Samuel D. McNeely

Samuel David McNeely, Age 38, of La Crosse, went to his eternal rest on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. He was born in Marshfield, WI, on December 31, 1974 to Daniel and DeAnn (Smith) McNeely. He married Amy Brunkow on May 22, 2009. Sam graduated from Spencer High School in Spencer, WI, in 1993. He attended University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where he played right-offensive tackle and was a prominent member of the Undefeated National Champion Team of 1995. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. From 1998-2001 Sam worked for the Isola Group/Allied Signal Laminate Systems in Quality, Research and Product Development. In 2001 he began his career at City Brewing Company in La Crosse holding multiple positions and currently was the Director of Quality Assurance. He gained his greatest joy from time spent with his family, especially his daughter, Charli. He loved hosting Charli’s spectacular backyard birthday parties with tents and balloons. On her golden third birthday in May, Hans Mayer entertained. Sam’s family meant the world to him and he never wanted to miss a family gathering. This past weekend he celebrated his brother, Paul’s 40th birthday, in Green Lake. Sam’s family was the first to arrive and he led the weekend with humor and entertainment. He had a special place in his heart for his mother, DeAnn, who helped pave Sam’s journey through life with support and love. His frequent calls to his mother confirmed to Amy early on that he was a good guy. He had a spirit that would light up a room. He made friends easily with his magnetic personality and sense of humor. He did everything with his whole heart. Sam enjoyed gardening, football, hunting and fishing and golf. During his first hunting season with his dad, his brother, Grandpa Ray and his uncles, he shot a 10 pointer with an 18 1/2" spread. Earlier that year he pulled in a 41" Northern on a family fishing trip in Canada. Later he would enjoy many pheasant and turkey hunting trips with his father-in-law, Bill Brunkow, and step-dad Glen Luepke in South Dakota. Sam and Glen shared an interest in Nascar racing, attending races is Chicago and Bristol, TN. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and daughter, Charli, of La Crosse, his father Daniel (Debra) McNeely of Loyal, WI, and mother DeAnn (Glen) Luepke, of Spencer, WI, a brother, Paul (Andrea) McNeely of Marshfield, sisters, Leslie Meyer of Spencer, Kristi (Steve) Kreklow of Wauwatosa, WI, step sister, Torri (DuWayne) Dahlke of Stratford, WI, and two step-brothers, Josh (Lori) Luepke of Pittsville, WI and Eric (Tabatha) Luepke, Wrightstown, WI. Also survived by paternal grandmother Erna McNeely of Loyal, maternal grandmother Dorothy Smith of Marshfield, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Raymond McNeely and Donald Smith. Friends may visit with the family on Monday at the City Brewing Hospitality Center, 1111 3rd Street, La Crosse from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, Sept. 9, at 7:00 p.m. A service will also be held on Tuesday, September 10, with visitation from 3 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Life Tributes Funeral Home, 901 S. LaSalle Street, Spencer, WI with a service at 7:00 p.m. A private committal will be held on Wednesday at the South Green Grove Cemetery in Loyal, WI. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sam McNeely Memorial Fund to be used for causes important to Sam, set up at the Coulee Bank, 1516 Losey Boulevard, La Crosse, WI 54601. Information and on-line condolences may be given to the family at www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com or www.dickinsonsuneralhomes.com. The Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Life Tributes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.