Neal Marshall Maxfield of Dillon, Montana passed away on May 8, 2025, from injuries sustained in a car accident. Neal lived with authenticity and joy. His enthusiasm encouraged those around him to embrace life's experiences. His absence leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him.

Neal was born November 2, 1975, in Rupert, Idaho, the fourth of seven children to Ward and Judy Maxfield. Neal was raised on the family farmstead outside of Paul, ID. Growing up with four brothers on the edge of thousands of acres of BLM rangeland, he developed a thirst for adventure, as well as a gift for mischief. He honed interests in BMX riding, soccer, archery, and snowboarding; setting the foundation for a lifetime of outdoor activities. Throughout his teenage years, Neal was most often found chasing adventure, mischief, or both at the side of his best friend, Ted Bradshaw.

A tireless work ethic defined Neal's adulthood. After graduating from Minico High School, Neal served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Dublin Ireland. Upon returning Neal continued his education at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), working at a Chili's restaurant while earning credentials as a Registered Nurse. In Twin Falls, he met Danielle Beck, whom he would later marry, welcoming their first son, Liam, in 2002. Neal worked as an RN at Portneuf Medical center while earning a Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Idaho State University. He then joined the US Army Reserves to support his graduate education, enabling him to graduate as a Nurse Anesthetist from the Hamot School of Anesthesia at Gannon University in 2005. Neal and Danielle returned to Idaho where Neal joined the staff at St Luke's Hospital in Boise. Here, Neal and Danielle were blessed with their second son, Henry. Despite the gruelling schedule of education, work, and military service, Neal maintained his love of outdoor activities, picking up road cycling and eventually competing in a triathlon.

In 2007, the family moved to Dillon, Montana, where Neal worked at Barrett Hospital. Amid a number of personal and professional changes (including a divorce in 2017), Neal embraced all the natural beauty that Montana had to offer, renewing interests in rock climbing, hiking, and camping. He loved to share these interests with his sons.

When Neal met Deb Kohlwey (married 2021), he knew he had found someone who could match his energy and love for life. Together they shared their interest in the outdoors, Neal teaching Deb to rock climb, and Deb helping Neal to explore his artistic side. Emboldened by her support and encouragement, Neal became a gifted artisan, creating stunning art pieces with found wood, resins, metals, and other materials. When his extensive tool collection failed to meet a specific need for his visions, he created his own tools to fill the gap. His creativity was unlocked and there was no stopping it.

The list of work, projects, friendships, creations, and adventures that fully capture Neal's story would fill volumes. The hole his death leaves in the lives of those who loved him cannot be filled. He loved his sons without end. He adored his wife beyond measure. He will be dearly remembered, and sorely missed.

He is preceded in death by his father Ward, sister Tiffany Bopp, and grandparents. He is survived by his Wife Deborah Kohlwey [Maxfield]; Sons Liam and Henry (mother: Danielle Beck [Maxfield]); Step Children Tatjana Vermunt and Aryean Vermunt; Sister Cherish Goodwin; Brothers, Troy, Adam, Layne, and Lynn; and his Mother Judy Maxfield.

A celebration of life will be held at Barrett Park (8 miles south of Dillon, Montana) at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a donation to a charity of their choice.

Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.