Name: Visitation for Gary LaVerne Neer
Start: 2021-01-04T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-01-05T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. - Moline

Gary LaVerne Neer

March 13, 1961-December 29, 2020

SILVIS-Gary L. Neer of Silvis, IL unexpectedly passed on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. He was born on March 13, 1961 to Jerry & Mary Neer in Moline, Illinois.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Greenview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 3-7 pm Monday, January 4, 2021, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. In accordance with restrictions, attendees are expected to wear a face mask and observe social distancing. We will allow people in as others leave, to keep social distance.

Gary loved traveling with his wife, especially "cruising" around the world. He was an avid Hallmark movie fan, loved helping his wife with her crafting projects, and enjoyed playing Fantasy Football (especially watching his Saints!). He coached countless softball and baseball teams, even finding time to play himself. He was selfless, generous, and always made it a point to help others.

What Gary was best known for was his passion and dedication to Whitey's Ice Cream. He started at age 16 as a "bucket boy" - working himself up to Plant Manager. He lived and breathed his job. But to Gary, it was never a job. His work ethic was second to none. His positive attitude forever radiated but more importantly, Whitey's was his happy place. Gary always led by example. He was proud of his work and instilled that pride in others as well. The relationships he formed over his years were treasured. The memories he made, the stories he told, the people he crossed paths with - all truly remarkable. As Jon Tunberg so eloquently stated, "He was the heart and soul of Whitey's." He loved being at Whitey's.

Gary is survived by his wife, Connie, and children Brandi (Alex) Brutsche, Scott (Gina) Neer, Kassidy Neer, Kayli Neer, Jacqueline Azbell, Jani (Jason) Willis, Jenn Guerrero, and John (Kristin) Burns. His grandchildren include Jackson & Finnegan Neer, Ethan Azbell, Breckon Brutsche, and Britta & Matilda Burns. Additional survivors include the mother to his beloved children, Sherry (Scott) Carlson, his mother, Mary (Neer) Gillespie, his siblings, Terry (Michele) Neer, Barry Neer, Shari (Ken) Hansen and several nieces and nephews. There was also his Whitey's family: Jeff (Sue) Tunberg, Jon (Michelle) Tunberg, Kirsten Runburg, Scott Larson, and the rest of his crew. Lastly, Gary is survived by his beloved pets: Shelby, Sandee & Sophie.

Gary is preceded in death by his father: Jerry L. Neer.

Memorials can be made to the "Gary Neer Memorial". The family will find the perfect way to honor this incredible man at a later date.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Rock Island Dispatch Argus from Dec. 31, 2020 to Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Neer

Sponsored by Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. - Moline.

24 Entries

Julie Veloz

December 26, 2024

I remember Gary as a very dedicated employee. I worked in the office part-time and then one day he called me into the office of Jon and Jeff and stated "Julie, I have an opportunity for you. We know you love to bake. We could use you in our bakery". I had some great experiences while working at Whiteys. I was so sad when learning of his passing. Never forgotten!

Don Wehr

January 6, 2021

I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Neer family, relatives and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl Theofilis

January 5, 2021

Sedona Staffing worked for years with Gary. He was the customer everyone loved. Taking his call was like adding a ray of sunshine to your day. We will miss his beautiful personality, but we know an Angel just stepped into heaven. Our deepest sympathy, Cheryl

Pam ostrand

January 4, 2021

I'm so sorry for your loss. Gary was the coolest guy around always happy. Gary will be missed dearly.

Kim Neer Monson

January 4, 2021

My thoughts and prayers for your family. Gary always was a great man and my dear cousin. I will miss him very much. So sorry for your loss.

Dave Gunnell

January 4, 2021

Deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Richard Bussard

Sent Flowers

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

David Tooley

Sent Flowers

Marilyn VandeMoortel

January 2, 2021

My condolences to Gary´s family. My son, Mike worked with Gary and developed a close friendship with him. Gary contributed to the Moline community in many ways. He will be greatly missed by many.

Vicki & Dan Raney

January 2, 2021

We are so sad to hear of Gary's passing. We will all miss his wonderful smile. Prayers for your whole family.

Ron and Paula Firth

January 2, 2021

So sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers go out to his family.

Lunda Patton

January 1, 2021

Connie and family,
Mike and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Gary will be missed deeply. He has a great legacy to carry on. Much love to you.

Joni & Randy Archibald

December 31, 2020

So sad to hear of his passing! Dating as far back as him as a neighbor to memories of the friendship with April and his kids knowing how important and constant he was as a father he was a friend we were always happy to run into and to have known. He will be missed! Our thought and prayers are with your family.

Linda Rowell

December 31, 2020

So sorry to hear bout Gary u n you're family are in my prayers

Frank & Sara Fenno

December 31, 2020

To all of Gary´s friends & family. We share your grief & send you our love.

Julie Veloz

December 31, 2020

What an awesome person I had the pleasure of working with. RIP Gary!

Chuck & Sheryl Hauser

December 31, 2020

Connie we are so sorry to hear about Gary. He will be missed by so many. You and your family are in our prayers. Mom and Dad want to express their sympathies also and if there is anything any of us can do just let us know. Again sending love and prayers for you and your family.

Theresa Cordingley

December 31, 2020

Connie I'm so sorry to read of Gary's passing. Please accept my condolences. I pray for you and yours.

Ellen and Jerry Barr

December 31, 2020

Connie, we are so sorry to hear about Gary. Please accept our condolences. We are praying for you and your families. Jerry and Ellen Barr

Tim Loyd

December 31, 2020

I was so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great guy.

I've known Gary since about 1992. He was a customer of mine when I was at Dot Foods. We played golf together many times and we always seemed to end the day at Whitey's.

I'll be praying for the wonderful Tunberg family, for his co-workers at Whitey's and for all those who loved him.

With much sadness,

Tim Loyd
St. Louis, MO

Kenneth Fuller

December 31, 2020

My prayers are with the family. Gary was a good supervisor, friend and brother in Christ. He made you want to do your best and was compassionate. He was not perfect, but was quick to forgive and to ask forgiveness when he made a mistake. He enjoyed making ice cream and loved people. I will miss him and remember him. I look forward to seeing you in heaven Gary.

Aunt Mikey

December 31, 2020

There are no words to describe the sorrow left in my heart from the passing of Gary.
My love goes out to all '8' of his children, his grandchildren, Connie, Sherry, his brothers, & sister, their families, the Tunberg's, every person who met Gary (because you immediately became his friend), and most of all, Mary. You raised your boy to be one of the kindest most generous people to ever live amongst us. Thank you.

Janice & Robert Abell

December 31, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Family.

Curt and Marilyn Brown

December 31, 2020

We are so sorry to hear about Gary. Thinking of all of you with prayers and concern.

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