April 1, 2020

Ken Neer

Kenneth Darrell Neer, Sr., 72, went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2020. He had many family members by his side. He was born June 3, 1947, to James and Sylvia (Olson)Neer in Williston, N.D.
Ken was raised in Alexander, N.D., until he joined the Navy in 1965. He served as a Petty Officer on the USS WASP until his honorable discharge in 1971. While in the Navy, he assisted in the 1966 Gemini XII recovery operation, involving Cpt. James A. Lovell and Major Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and received the National Defense Service Medal.
After the military, Ken settled in Williston, working in the “boom” of the oilfield. Ken had three children with his first wife; Kenneth Darrell Jr., Catherine Ann and Billie Jean.
In 1989, Ken moved to Worland, Wyo., with his children, where he met and married Freda Deary. He acquired four more children to complete his family. Ken and Freda moved to Sheridan, Wyo., where, in 1996, he retired from the oilfield and started gardening, camping and fishing to occupy his time.
His interests were camping, fishing and spending time with family on the Big Horn mountains. He canned jams, jellies and pickles. He enjoyed baking, loved cooking for his family and was still trying to perfect his late mothers lefse.
Ken is survived by his wife, Freda; his siblings, Arthur Neer, Roy (Vicki) Neer, Roderick Neer, Bonny Cluchie and Cora (Alvin) Jenema; his children; Kenneth Neer Jr., Cathy Neer and Billie (Randy) Mills, Marie (Gary) Parson, Sherry Unger, Jim Unger and Cindy Heath; 18 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
He would have been expecting another great-grandchild and his first great-great-grandchild this summer. He has several nieces and nephews that were extremely special to him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Sylvia Neer; his dear sister, Linda Rude; and three beloved pets, Ebony, Snuffy and Nugget.
Services will not be held at this time. A memorial service will be held at a future time when friends and family can once again, come together.
Blessed be the memory of Ken Neer.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER