William Neal Gahafer

GAHAFER William Neal, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away in his home surrounded by family on March 17, 2013 in Lexington, KY. He was born on April 17, 1930 in Louisville, KY. He graduated from Manual High School and the radiology program at Louisville General Hospital in 1953, where he met his wife, Louise Hoffeld. They married March 27, 1953. In 1956, they moved to Lexington where Neal began his career at St. Joseph Hospital. Neal would spend the next 13 years teaching radiology students and directing the radiology department. As the department grew and technology advanced so did the hospital's need for Neal to take on the role of Director of Radiology. In 1989 after 33 years, he retired but never lost his desire to teach and mold young minds. In 2007, the school wanted to recognize Neal's contribution to the profession at St. Joseph and, therefore, their Clinical Award would then take on the name of a true mentor in the field, Neal Gahafer. He was also a member of the Robert M. Sirkle Masonic Lodge #954 and Paris Lodge #2. On Nov 18, 2010 he was recognized for having served in the ranks of the Masonic fraternity for fifty years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene M. Braun and Cornelius Gahafer, and his aunt, Edna Braun. Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, his four sons and his four daughters as he fondly referred to them: Morris (Lara), David (Vickie), Roland (Mary Ann), and Stephen (Shannon); eight grandchildren, Jeff, Drew (Emily), Ben, Claire, Alexander, Madison, Stephanie and Chad Gahafer; and two great-grandchildren, Traben and Zell Gahafer; his sister, Ann Morris; and two nieces, Suzie Brumley and Annalee Burke. Funeral services will be 12:30pm Thu at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Rd. Burial will follow in Lawrenceburg Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8pm Wed with a Masonic Service at 7pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Robert M. Sirkle Masonic Lodge #954, 553 Rosemont Garden, Lexington, KY 40503 or Paris Lodge #2, 817 East High Street, Paris, KY 40361.