Neil Easterla

Neil Easterla was a long-time resident of La Pine, where he passed away on February 26th, 2023.
Neil was born in Huntington Beach, California in 1933 to Vera and Ben Easterla. He graduated from Wilson High School in Los Angeles in 1951. After graduation, he worked for the F.B.I. in Los Angeles for 2 years. In 1953 he moved to Eugene, Oregon with his parents and sister, Joan. He continued his education at the University of Oregon. He worked for McKay's Market and McDonald Wholesale Co. In 1969 he bought two Dairy Queens. In 1980 he retired and worked for a while for Brunner Berry Farms in Harrisburg, Oregon. He then moved to La Pine.
He loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.
He met Darlene Kemp in 1979 and they were married on June 2, 1983. They then moved to Kodiak, Alaska for 2 years.
He is survived by his wife Darlene, his children Lori Talbot of Eugene, Jeff Souza, Wendy Diehl of Tempe AZ, Scott Souza of La Pine, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and 2 sons Greg and Rob.
Services will be held on April 15, 2023, at the Faith Lutheran Church in La Pine at 11:00 AM, followed by a celebration of his life in La Pine.