Neal R. Fossey, 46

Neal Richard Fossey, 46, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died Sunday, June 15, 2003, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2003, at Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, Iowa, with AIM Intern Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona, Iowa. Lunch will be served at the Carpenter Community Center following the services. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today, June 18, 2003, at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, 207 S. School St., St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Neal was born Nov. 5, 1956, in Austin, to Leo and Joan (Bridgeman) Fossey. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran church in Lyle. Neal grew up in rural St. Ansgar and graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1975. He continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Iowa, studying agriculture.

Neal married Cindy Johnson on July 11, 1981, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lyle by Rev. Harold Luecke. To this loving marriage three children were born: Eric, Heidi and Benjamin. For all their married life, Neal and Cindy were members of Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, Iowa.

Neal enjoyed all aspects of sports, whether playing softball or basketball with family and friends; coaching his children's teams; or spectating in his spare time. He especially treasured the time that he spent with his family. Neal also loved taking care of his livestock and enjoyed every day to the fullest up until the end, when he died doing what he loved, playing basketball.

Neal was preceded in death by his father, Leo Fossey; mother-in-law, Lucille Johnson; sister-in-law, Kathy Johnson; and his grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Cindy; children, Eric of Carpenter, Heidi of Carpenter, and Ben at home; mother, Joan Fossey of St. Ansgar; brothers, Gary (Barb) and son Bryan of St. Ansgar; Joel (Connie) and children Luke and Colby of St. Ansgar; sisters, Lori (Jim) Hatten and children Michael, Melissa and Amy of Jackson, Minn.; Lana (Jim) Blaser and children Brent, Katie and Jayme of Stacyville, Iowa; father-in-law, Tiny Johnson and special friend Judy Olson of Carpenter, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Tim (Renae) Johnson and children Kayla, Kally, Nicole and Landon of Carpenter; Joe (Teresa) Johnson and children Adam, Emily and Dylan of St. Ansgar; sisters-in-law, Robin (Spike) Bauers and children Zane and Darby of Northwood, Iowa; Christy (Dean) Scott and children Cody, Haley and Shelby of St. Ansgar; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, is in charge of arrangements.