Neal Christian Julius Meltz, age 98, died Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at Eden Meadows in Oshkosh. He was born December 24, 1919, the older of two children born to the late Christian and Harriet (Boettge) Meltz of the town of Vinland. Neal's younger brother, Lyle, died at birth. Neal spent his childhood years on the Christian Meltz farm, attending Vosburg School from grades 1 through 8 followed by Oshkosh High School, graduating from there in 1937. Following graduation, Neal worked on the family farm, at a local peaviner, and at a nearby cheese factory. In 1939 Neal took on a day job as a machinist at Hudson Machine Shop in Oshkosh, followed by the Hewitt Company's shop located in Winneconne and subsequently, Neenah. Neal was drafted in July of 1943 serving in the U.S Navy and spending most of the time as a machinist on an LST in the Pacific Theatre until the end of World War II.
Upon his return from the service in 1945 Neal joined his father working on their 160-acre dairy farm in the town of Vinland. He was a dairy farmer with his father from 1945 to 1981. The cattle were sold in 1981 and Neal cash-cropped until 1994.
Neal was a member of the Rural WELS Church (Mears Church) located in the town of Vinland (near the intersection of the current Hwy 76 and GG). When that congregation dissolved in 1960 he became a member of the Martin Luther WELS Church, Neenah, and upon his move to Oshkosh, joined the Immanuel Lutheran WELS Church, located at 338 N. Eagle Street. In addition to being a life-long member of the Wisconsin Synod, Neal was involved in his community as a 4-H member and project leader, and as a member of the Vinland Township Volunteer Fire Department from 1938 to 1980, serving as chief from 1965 to 1979. During his 20's and 30's Neal was the catcher on the local Skeleton Bridge baseball team and the catcher on the Town of Vinland Volunteer Fire Department softball team. He also served as a director and agent for Winchester Mutual Insurance Company and, later, for Homestead Mutual, retiring in 2010.
Neal was married to Dorothy (Hanson) Meltz from 1943 until her death in 1992. Together they had five children, David, Mary Jane, Richard, Robert, and Edward. In 1994 Neal married Lois (Darrow) and moved to N. Meadow Street in Oshkosh. He was married to Lois until her death in 1997 from Lou Gehrig's disease. Neal's most recent hobbies included ballroom dancing, line-dancing, watching the Packers with his best friend, Mardell Meyer of Oshkosh, and going for two-hour rides in the country.
Neal's survivors include: David (Karen Pierce) Meltz, Irvine, California; Mary Jane Meltz, Napavine, Washington; Richard Meltz, Columbus, Ohio; Robert (Julie Schiebe-deceased) Meltz, Pearl River, Louisiana; and Edward (Teresa League) Meltz, Kewaskum, Wisconsin; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; other relatives, and friends.
Neal was preceded in death by his younger brother, Lyle; parents, Christian and Harriet (Boettge) Meltz; wife, Dorothy (Hanson) Meltz; later wife, Lois (Darrow) Meltz; grandson, Zachery Meltz; and daughter-in-law, Julie (Schiebe) Meltz.
Neal will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his strong work ethic, his kind acts toward others, and his famous phrases "Upright and taking nourishment", and "I wouldn't brag about it". After moving into Oshkosh he continued to enjoy going for daily drives in the country, being sure to drive past his former farm on Maxwell Road.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, May 7, 2018, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church 338 N. Eagle St. Oshkosh. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor John Seelman officiating. Burial with military honors will be on Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Winchester.
Neal's family extends sincere appreciation to the staffs of Gabriel's Villa, Eden Meadows Rehab Suites, the therapists at Eden Meadows, Eden Meadows West, and Mercy Medical Center surgeons: Dr. Foley, Dr. Rob McDonald, and Dr. Cindy Kahn, and the 2nd floor nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center. Neal was very well cared for as he became older, weaker, and more frail. A very special thank you to all of the staff at Eden Meadows West and Hometown Hospice.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.