(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Paul “Tall Paul” Neil
Paul M. Neil, age 72, of Kenosha unexpectedly passed away in his home on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. He was born on May 1, 1949 in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, to James and Mildred (Hradek) Neil. A child of a Naval Chief, he and his eldest sister, Iris, lived there for a little more than a year before moving back to the States. His parents had four other children, Melvin, Steven, Thomas, and Diana. As a boy, he could often be found enjoying the outdoors; hunting, fishing, exploring, and playing sports.
He graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1967; excelling in academics, track, and cross-country. He also excelled in a variety of intramural sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Paul attended U.W. Kenosha, where he lettered in cross-country, and attended U.W. Steven’s Point. Soon after, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Upon finishing his service, he moved back to Wisconsin where he met and married Diana Smith. Together they had two children, Carey and Steven Neil. Although the marriage later dissolved, he remained dedicated to his children.
Paul worked various jobs over the years, such as American Brass, Coca-Cola, Wick’s Siding Company, and Kenosha News. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and competing in recreational sports; for which he had an illustrious career in Kenosha’s City League Basketball. It’s there that the beloved nickname, “Tall Paul” was solidified, and like his statistics, he too was ever soaring to new heights!
As many know, there was another love in Paul’s life, which was his long time girlfriend Donna Preston. The two of them were nearly inseparable. She had two children of her own, Joe and Lisa, for which together their four children became very close. Paul and his son, Steven, shared an especially close relationship through sports; particularly baseball, where they spent countless hours practicing wherever they could find a field.
Paul was an affectionate and supportive father, who cared deeply for his entire family, and the safety of his community. Many knew him as a crafty and talented athlete, skilled laborer, an artist, poet, philosopher, romantic, and lover of both music and storytelling; who could fit a joke into any situation.
In his later years, he could be found around a pool table pocketing the balls, one by one, while moving and grooving to the music on the jukebox. Paul lived to lighten the mood, and was on mission to help people laugh; that was his gift to people.
Paul is preceded in death by both parents and two siblings, Steven and Melvin. Paul is survived by his two children, Carey Neil-Michaud and Steven (Kimberly) Neil, and four grandchildren: Jacob, Kayla, Silas, and Simeon. He also is survived by his siblings: Iris (John) Leuck, Diana (Rick) Kantola, and Thomas Neil; along with several nephews and nieces: Eric, Susan, Michael, Heather, David, and Christopher.
In honor of Paul’s life, a private family gathering will be held. There is an open invite on February 12th at Fec’s Place, located in Kenosha, from 7-10pm. There will also be a Celebration of Life service held at Petrifying Springs Park at a later date. For further information visit the Casey Family Options website.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Meals On Wheels, or simply go enjoy the outdoors in Paul’s memory.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
Stephen P. Casey, Owner/Funeral Director
(262) 653-0667
www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Steven Neil says:
Dad, I’ll never run out of words to celebrate your life. You loved your family and close friends, and cared about your community. You impressed those around you with your talents, enjoyed sharing your knowledge, and were a great coach. Best of all, you always pointed to heaven. See you there.
-son
Anita vena says:
I knew Paul for years I used to go out with Joe president he was a nice guy
Christine says:
I didn’t know Paul long, but knew he loved family, and Jesus. Sounds just right!
Carey says:
A message to heaven for you Dad.. There are no words that can describe how much you meant to me!! I will love you forever and miss you beyond measure!!!! Until I see you again on “JC”Team!!
Dawn Smith says:
I always enjoyed your Dad. He was intelligent and funny. I thank God that Carey took good care of him until the end of his journey here. I love you kids.
Aunt Dawn
IRIS LEUCK says:
My Dear Brother Paul,
I miss you so much, your trips with me to the store, bank & your appointments, and our frequent chats on the phone, reminiscing the old days, discussing sports & Jeopardy, updating you on our family, and listening to your jokes & trivia questions. I wish I could have seen your smile that last trip we made to the store, but we were playing it safe, by wearing our masks. I’ll never forget your smile & your laugh & your storytelling, and how much you reminded me of our beloved Grandpa Ralph Neil with your looks & personality.
I’ve loved you for almost 73 years, since the day you were born, 13 months after me. We’ve always been close, and I’ll always keep you close to my heart, until we meet again. Let, me say it again, as we always ended our phone calls, “Take care, Paul. I’ll talk to you soon. I love you!”💕🤗🙏