Joseph Anthony Neckel

Joseph Anthony Neckel

He leaves his wife of 50 years, Marilyn (Brandes) Neckel; his sons, Joseph (Roberta) Neckel from Monroe, MI., Mark Neckel (Jone) of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren, Joseph A. (Jessica) of Monroe, MI, Brandon D (Tara) of Wellington, CO., and Melissa Stevens (Richard) of Plantation, FL; great grandchildren, Joseph and Aubrey Neckel of Monroe, MI, Gemma and Coralie Neckel of Wellington, CO, and many friends. Sisters, Mary Read (Larry) of Milan, MI. and Sister Patricia Neckel of Tiffin, OH.

Joseph was born in Monroe, Michigan and raised in Milan, Michigan. He was the son of Francis and Mary Neckel. Joseph graduated from Milan High School in 1954. Soon after that he enlisted in the National Guard where he served for 4 years.

Joseph and Marilyn moved to Fort Collins in 1973. He retired from Bell Telephone and pursued his life-long dream of brewing beer. Joseph was instrumental in launching the craft beer industry in Northern Colorado. He opened the first craft brewery in Fort Collins in 1989, Old Colorado Brewing Company. His grandson Brandon and his wife Tara recently resurrected Old Colorado Brewing Company by reopening in Wellington, CO.

Joseph moved to Casper, WY in 2007 to further discover his talents in brewing. Joseph was the head brew master for the Wyoming State Brewery until he retired in 2013.

When Joseph wasn't brewing he enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. For over 20 plus years he traveled to Canada to fish and hunt.

At Joseph's request, no services will be held, but his legacy lives strong at Old Colorado Brewing Company, where you can find his original recipes on tap. Donations will be accepted by the family at the brewery to support his legacy.