Neil B. Arthur

1932 - 2026

Neil B. Arthur

December 18, 1932 - January 22, 2026

Neil B. Arthur, 93, of Ravenna, Nebraska, passed away early Thursday morning January 22, 2026, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

His funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Rasmussen Mortuary in Ravenna, Nebraska, with Father Richard Piontkowski officiating services. Visitation services will be Thursday evening, January 29th from 5 to 7 p.m.

Neil was born on December 18, 1932, in Burwell, Nebraska to Walter and Kathleen (O'Connor) Arthur. Throughout his childhood he lived in Burwell, Primrose, and Grand Island, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Mary's High School of Grand Island. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and during his enlistment he was stationed overseas in the Philippines during the Korean War. The largest highlight of his enlistment was meeting Dink Brucken, who set Neil up with his younger sister, Dorothy Brucken.

Neil and Dorothy were united in marriage during Labor Day weekend on September 5, 1953, in Grand Island, Nebraska, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. In the early years of their marriage, they would call many states and cities home as their family grew. But most notably in their story was Chicago (Burbank), Illinois, and Ravenna, Nebraska. Neil's main career was an Auto-Mechanic and would go on to work in a few different shops, and for Volkswagen and Ford. He once worked at Mercedes, but they made the employees park a few blocks away, and he decided if his vehicle wasn't good enough for them, that they weren't good enough for his expertise and skills. From 1954 to 1965, Neil and Dorothy birthed seven children, Michael, Mary, Michele, Marsha, Mark, Molly, and Neil.

In 1980, Neil and Dorothy moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Ravenna, Nebraska, and would call this home for the rest of their lives. In Ravenna, Neil held two primary jobs, first would be Neil's Service Station from 1980 until 1991 (probably his favorite job since he was his own boss), and secondly Century Lumber where he would retire from in 2001. However, he stayed busy right until the end. He was a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Being a father was his proudest accomplishment and would talk to anyone about his children and the pride he had for all of them. Throughout his whole life, he was the man with jokes and tall tales, strong opinions, and a mind that was constantly thinking and working hands that never dulled.

Neil was preceded in death by the love of his life, Dorothy, his baby boy Neil, parents Walter and Kathleen; in-laws Joseph and Irene; siblings Bobbi, Roger, Norman, Dick, Mary Jane; grandchildren Bobby and Tonya.

Neil is survived by Michael and Denise (Danelle, Justin, Karen), Mary (Lisa), Michele and Robert (William, Nina), Marsha (Paul, Kenneth), Mark and Tresa (Jennifer), Molly (Eric, Ashley, Emily); siblings, Kay and Jo; and in law Jeanette; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and friends.