Neil Francis Mochty

Neil Francis Mochty, age 81, and a life-long resident of East Tawas, passed away peacefully, Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.
Neil was born on Aug. 24, 1943, in Tawas City, to the late Frank Joseph and Helen Leona (Specht) Mochty. He attended Tawas Area High School and graduated with the Class of 1962.
Like many of his generation, shortly after high school, he was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1971 during the Vietnam War. His military service career took him to various parts of the U.S. including Ft. Knox in Kentucky, Ft. Ord in California and overseas to Germany for two and half year's active duty followed by three and half years as a reservist in the U.S. Army Reserves. While serving his country Neil attended Monterey (California) Community College and Delta Community (Michigan) College.
During his 48-year career, Neil was a friendly, familiar face throughout the region in the retail lumber and hardware store community as an employee and manager of Schreck Lumber and Schaaf Lumber in East Tawas; part-owner of CA Hanes Home Center in West Branch and finally serving as a regional sales rep for Lumberman's Corporation in Cadillac before retiring in 2005.
Neil was an avid outdoorsman, absolutely enjoying every experience at his family hunting camp. He loved hunting with his sons and grandsons, Wednesday golf leagues with his friends, and traveling with his wife, Ellen. He loved community sports and played in men's softball, golf and bowling leagues for many years and coached youth baseball during his children's formative years. His other favorite pastimes included watching his children and grandchildren compete in athletics and perform in dance/music recitals throughout the state of Michigan and Ohio.
Neil was very community oriented, being a long-time member of the East Tawas Lions Club including serving as President in 1978-1979, a lifetime member of the Audie Johnson American Legion Post #211 in East Tawas, lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2709, a board member of the East Tawas Housing Commission from 1972-1994 which brought affordable housing to area underserved citizens, a lifetime member of the Tawas Area Elks #2525 and a founding member and past president of the Tawas Area Muzzleloaders Association.
Neil married his wife and best friend, Ellen Gertrude (Klinger) on Sept. 1, 1967, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Tawas. Together they raised four children and celebrated 58 years of beautiful marriage.
Neil is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; his four children, and their spouses, Tom (Joni) Mochty of Bradenton, Fla., Matt (Stacey) Mochty of East Tawas, Stephanie (Greg) Sproule of Linden, and Michelle (Mark) Baibos of Flushing; 10 grandchildren including, Margaret and Jack Mochty, Sydney, Dillon (Lexi), and Evan Mochty, Brandon (Lauren), Connor, and Cameron Sproule, Mallory and Maverick Baibos; one sister, Elaine (Jim) Bessey of Punta Gorda Fla.; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Mochty; brother, Larry Mochty; and sister, Jean (Mochty) Helveston.
Neil's family will welcome friends on Saturday, May 3, at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas from 9 to 11 a.m. for a time of visitation. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. that day with Father Lawrence Box officiating. Neil will be laid to rest in St. Joseph/Holy Family Catholic Cemetery following his funeral mass. Military honors will be rendered at the cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Holy Family Catholic Church/School and all friends and family are invited.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Neil's name are encouraged to consider a donation to either the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/Shriner's Foundation or to Holy Family Catholic School. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Neil's family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.