Neil Douglas Tadewald, age 70, died Wednesday, May 8th 2013 with his loved ones at his side. Neil was born May 15th 1942 at the Springfield Community Hospital to Bill and Elsie (Gatzlaff) Tadewald. He attended country school in Stately and North Star Townships and graduated from Springfield High School in 1960. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 23, 1961 and was honorably discharged on February 22, 1963 serving in the Vietnam War. He met Vonnie on a blind date arranged by friends and they were married on October 9, 1965 at Old Westbrook Church in Westbrook. In their early married life, they farmed in North Star and Stately Townships. After farming, they moved to Springfield and he began working at Firestone. He also worked for Carlson Construction, did testing at nuclear power plants on the East and West Coasts, worked for Harvestland, and most recently did grain hauling for Jim Krueger. Neil loved his family very much and enjoyed doing activities that included them such as camping, fishing, and traveling with Vonnie and spending time with their children and grandchildren. The door to their house was always open and provided a local hang-out for their kids' friends after school, after games, and on the weekends. He had fond memories of those times. He enjoyed his gardens, spending time on his patio and in his garage, working on cars (specifically corvettes), woodworking, trips to Las Vegas, and loved being with his special canine companion, Max. Neil was a member of John Watson American Legion Post #257, served as Commander and on the Honor Guard, was a member of the Past Commanders Club, and was very instrumental in the re-furbishing of the legion kitchen in 1981. He is remembered for being dedicated to his family and Max, being a hard worker, good friend, and being proud of his military service.

Neil is survived by daughters Kori (Robert) Petersson of Rochester and Tara (Joe) Roiger of New Prague; grandchildren Alicia Petersson and Korinne Petersson, Emily Roiger and Allison Roiger; his sister Sharon (Kevin) Brummer of Carlisle, IA and uncle Norm Gatzlaff of Springfield. He has several nephews and cousins surviving as well. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, aunts and uncles.