William John "Bill" McNeely

McNeely, William John "Bill" of Eden Prairie, MN, passed away August 10, 2012 into the arms of the Lord and said a loving goodbye to his three beloved children who were at his side. Bill will be dearly missed and remembered by countless people he touched and influenced during his life. Family, friends, business associates and his many employees will remember Bill's kindness and generosity, loyalty, quick and self-deprecating Irish wit, keen sense of business intuition, and most especially his deep and enduring love for his 3 children (Stacey McNeely, Stefie Orth, and William "Bill Jr" McNeely), son-in-law (Steve Orth), and his 7 beautiful grandchildren (Makenna Borg, Logan Borg, Payton Borg, Keegan Orth, Gavin Orth, Billy and Aria McNeely). Bill is also survived by his 2 loving and close sisters of whom he was so proud (Gretchen Badalich and Helen Taylor) and 6 nieces & nephews (Kevin, Kim, Kellie, John, Ann and Paul). Bill's heartfelt love of God, family, friends and America stemmed from his humble upbringing on a farm in Montrose, MN which shaped his life. He revered what the farm had instilled in him - the foundation for successful future business endeavors. Work ethic, determination, risk-taking, and eternal optimistic spirit for a better day tomorrow belief, and especially his recognized honesty and integrity, were not only admired by his family and friends, but also business colleagues. Small basement office beginnings in Bloomington, MN, commenced Exotic Rubber and Plastics of MN, which now, 36 years later, is nationally recognized as Acrylic Design Associates, a leader within retail store fixture and retail design and display manufacturing. Bill's business philosophy then and now was to offer products and services unlike any other in the industry, and offer only the highest quality and service to the client with unmatched integrity. Bill's high-risk, but skillful approach to business (usually against the advice of his peers) proved successful and today contemporary. People who knew and loved Bill can attest to his special gift of making people feel good about themselves when he was in their presence - the room always brightened when Bill walked in! He loved to sincerely learn of others' lives and families whom he met along his journey in life, but tended to dismiss his own attributes and successes. This was a trait and a reason he was so sincerely charming... Bill's desire to help people through animals was felt in the community and many humane societies throughout the nation felt his generosity and heartfelt love for animals in need. For both families and children with Autism, Bill's fondness and love of specially trained assistance dogs through "Can-Do-Canines" positively changed the lives of numerous children and their families associated with Autism. Thank you Dad, Bill, and dear friend, for all the fond memories we will treasure forever and for a heart and soul that can never be replaced. We will never forget you or your many acts of kindness. We will not forget your special warm laugh, your strong and commanding voice and your smiling Irish blue eyes. You'll be loved going forward as strongly as you were in the past. May you rest in the eternal peace you so rightfully deserve our dear friend. Memorials to Can-Do-Canines, 9440 Science Center Drive, New Hope, MN 55428. Interment: St. Hubert Catholic Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Hubert Catholic Community, 8201 Main St. Chanhassen, MN. Visitation: Monday, August 13, 2012 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400 7625 Mitchell Road (1 blk N. of Hwy 5)