In loving memory of

Neil Lashier
July 16, 2008

Charles "Neil" Lashier, the son of Charles Augustus and Edna Mae (Pattee) Lashier was born on February 10, 1924 in Early, Iowa and entered into eternal rest in Shenandoah, Iowa on July 16, 2008 at the age of 84 years 5 months 6 days. Neil was baptized at the Methodist Church in Early and attended Delaware Township School in Nemaha, Iowa. Neil graduated in 1941 from Nemaha High School. He was drafted into military service in the US Army on April 3, 1943. Neil was part of the 110th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion that landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). Neil's Battalion participated in many key World War II battles, including the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge and the capture of the bridge at Remagen. He was honorably discharged January 2, 1946. Neil was awarded the European Theater of Operations ribbon, 5 Battle Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead during his military service. He returned to Sac County where he farmed. On February 15, 1948, he was united in marriage to Vivian Deibert at the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt. Neil enjoyed a long career in agriculture related businesses, including 16 years as Manager of the Fremont County Coop in Farragut, Iowa. In his retirement years, he greatly enjoyed driving school bus for the Farragut Community School system.

Neil was an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Odebolt, serving on the Session and Board of Trustees. He served as Scout Master and Fire Chief in Odebolt and was active in the American Legion. While living in Farragut, he was active in the Methodist Church, and served in several civic offices, including Mayor of Farragut, City Council, Fire Department and Kiwanis.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 88 of Shenandoah for 34 years, First United Methodist Men, and Chancel Choir.

Neil enjoyed sports both as a spectator and participant, especially golfing, bowling, fishing and watching any activity his children or grandchildren participated in while he "officiated" from the bleachers. He was particularly proud of his garden, and shared his produce with family and friends.

Neil was honored to attend ceremonies in Normandy, France, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. He was proud to attend the dedication ceremony of the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.

Neil is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vivian, of Farragut, daughter Jayne Harter and husband Gary of Ida Grove, Iowa, sons Charles and wife Vicki of Lenexa, Kansas, Jon and wife Lynn of Gulf Breeze, Florida, David and wife Jacque of Shenandoah, Iowa, Scott and wife Teri of Blair, Nebraska, Mark and wife Laurie of The Woodlands, Texas, Christopher and wife Christin of Waukee, Iowa and his sister Celesta Jennett of San Jose, California, 26 Grandchildren: Todd (Angie) Kollbaum, Heidi (Jeremy) Collins, Sara Harter, Kevin Harter, Craig (Sara) Harter, Jill (Bradd) Schulke, Jodi (Birch) Savoie, Jayme Lashier, Jacey Lashier, Nicole (Dave) Loveday, Natalie Lashier, Megan (Josh) Potters, Derek (Griselda) Hoffman, Jennifer (Todd) Samuels, Jessica Lashier, Molly Lashier, Lindsay Lashier, Andrew Lashier, Margaret Lashier, Jud Krein, Chelsea Lashier, Caitlin Lashier, Keenan Lashier, Courtney Lashier, Nicholas Lashier, Bryant Lashier,16 Great Grandchildren: Zachary, Jordan, Emily, Ryan and Abigail Kollbaum;Tyler and Tiana Collins; Olivia and William Harter; Arana Schulke; Tyler and Stayton Savoie; Kira and Mackenzie Loveday; Riley and Madison Potters; and sister-in-law Margie Loger of Odebolt as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and his faithful dog, Pal.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edna, and sisters Lucille, Shirley and Norma.

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Clark Finehout and Rev. Fred Bryson. Soloists Rev. Todd Kollbaum and Stan Orton were accompanied by organist Becky Hoenshel. Special music for the service included "The Lord's Prayer", "How Great Thou Art", "Hymn of Promise" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus". Casket bearers were Charles Lashier, Jon Lashier, David Lashier, Scott Lashier, Mark Lashier and Christopher Lashier. Honorary casket bearers were "All of Neil's friends". Attending the memory register were Charlotte Ditmars, Marilyn Phipps, Becki Sickman and Zoe Young. Ushers were Alan Armstrong, Fred Cline, Darrell Jones, Gordon Jones, Gaylen Lundgren and Jim Sligar. Military Rites were given by American Legion Post #88 of Shenandoah, Iowa. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa. Memorials can be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Shenandoah. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family on the web at www.hackettlivingston.com. Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.




Tributes

Jean Jennett wrote on Jul 24, 2008:

"I hope all of you Lashiers are surviving the loss of Neil. It must really be a huge hole in your family. I am forever grateful for the joy-filled memories I have of times with all of you. I know Neil's spirit will live on in infinite forms in all of you. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Love, Jean, Vinnie and Elijah"

gina plummer battey wrote on Jul 19, 2008:

"Vivian, Was sorry to hear of Neil's passing. I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you at this time of loss. Let it help to know how many friends are thinking of you and keep all the memories close in your heart. Your friend, Gina (Plummer)Battey Wee Shipmates Preschool director and teacher"

Robert Woodfill wrote on Jul 19, 2008:

"Hi Dave, I was sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I pray that God will give you comfort during this time and the months and years to come. "

Rev. Jaye Johnson wrote on Jul 19, 2008:

"Sorry to hear about Neil's passing. I know it's been a long haul for him, and all of you as well. May you all find comfort knowing his suffering has ended and God walks with us during our time of greif. Grace and Peace - Jaye"

Sara Wellman wrote on Jul 18, 2008:

"My deepest condolences go to the Lashier family. As a friend of Molly and Lindsay's, I know what a special, humorous, and wonderful man he was. You and your family are in my prayers. Sara"

Phil Perry wrote on Jul 18, 2008:

"Our deepest sympathies to Neil's family. He was a great guy. Sincerely, Phil Perry & family Omaha, NE"

Ron&Linda McQueen and Family wrote on Jul 18, 2008:

"Dear Lashier Family, We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you.Our kids sure enjoyed Neil driving the bus to many of their school events. We will miss him. God Be With You All at this difficult time. Ron & Linda McQueen and Family."

Robin & Bob Lynn wrote on Jul 18, 2008:

"Dearest Lashier Family, So sorry to read about Neil. We are in Canada until Sunday and will be unable to attend the Funeral. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Neil and Vivian have made a great impact on our children's lives. And you could always count on Neil to have a kind and gentle word to or about the kids. Love to you All, Bob and Robin Lynn, Crane, Casa, Chealsee and Clair "

Elizabeth (Perry) and Andrew Dickson wrote on Jul 18, 2008:

"Dear Vivian & family, I want to share my deepest sympathies with you all with Neil's passing. The world has truly lost a wonderful, caring man. It was wonderful to grow up only two houses down from you in Farragut and always felt a special kinship to you both when your old dog Raisin used to come under our patio stairs whenever it stormed... kind of like sharing a pet. Whenever I was "back home" over the last ten years and bumped into Neil, he was always so friendly and seemed genuinely interested in me. I have such a nice picture of the two of you at my wedding reception in my wedding album, and I remember my husband's uncle telling us the day after the wedding how he sat by the most incredible man at the reception and how he was at Omaha Beach on DDay. To say that he was impressed was an understatement! It was pretty neat to grow up next door to a hero. He will be missed, and know that many people are sharing in your loss and wishing you comfort. With love, Andrew & Elizabeth (Perry) Dickson, and Benjamin"

Charles and Marilyn Hundling wrote on Jul 18, 2008:

"So sorry to learn of Neil's passing. Always enjoyed seeing him at the infrequent times we would meet. He had a very direct way of speaking to you as did my Aunt Lucy. Also enjoyed his sense of wit! Tho we can't attend the service, know that you will be in our thoughts. Our Condolences to all your family. Charles and Marilyn "

Becki Sickman wrote on Jul 17, 2008:

"I'm sure you know how sorry I was (and still am) to hear about Neil. He was one of the good ones! I will miss him alot. I am greatful for the time I had with him and with you all. You are all very good people. I will miss our little get togethers every morning. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. All you have to do is ask and we'll be there for you. I'm not very good at this but I'm sure you all know how I feel. Love you all!!! Becki"

Pat (Brink) Fuller wrote on Jul 16, 2008:

"To all of Neil's beloved family, I send my sincerest sympathy. What a guy! My family in Iowa, and I, always thought the world of him, so glad he came to Farragut--and stayed. Dad and Mom both enjoyed being friends with Neil and Vivian, traveling for the elevator on "business" (ohh-kay)...and after I moved away, it was great to come back and catch up with Neil again. When the Shen paper interviewed him for their servicemen series, I saved the article,it was so well-written. My dad told me of Neil's health problems, so I realize his passing wasn't unexpected, but my thoughts will be with you in the difficult days ahead, it's never easy to say that final goodbye...just remember it's short for God be with you, Love, Pat (Brink) Fuller"