BRIAN NEUDECKER

BRIAN NEUDECKER 12/26/1979 - 06/23/2025 Brian David Neudecker, 45 of Talkeetna, Alaska, born in Redwood Falls and formerly of Morristown, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 23, 2025, as the result of an ATV accident in Talkeetna, Alaska. Memorial Services was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. The service was livestreamed on the church's Facebook and YouTube pages. Visitation was 4 - 7 p.m. Monday, July 7 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Visitation continued one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Interment was in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service - Redwood Valley Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Brian David Neudecker was born on December 26, 1979, in Redwood Falls to Michael and Julie Neudecker. He attended Reede Gray Elementary and graduated from Redwood Valley High School in 1998. Brian proudly served his country for over 21 years in the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, including two year-long overseas deployments in Bosnia and Afghanistan. He was a Recruiter for the Army National Guard in Redwood Falls from 2005-2011. In his civilian life, Brian most recently served as a city letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Waseca ( seven years). His earlier roles included account executive at Alpha Media Radio Stations in Mankato (five years), security supervisor at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel ( six years), and corrections officer jailer with Redwood County Sheriff's Office (three years). On September 21, 2019, Brian married the love of his life, Rachael Cates, and together they created a blended family full of love and laughter. Brian was a proud and devoted father to Taylor and Aedyn, and lovingly embraced Alexia and Emese as his own. Their family became complete with the birth of their daughter, Brileigh Nicole, named in honor of Brian's favorite (and only) sister. He loved his wife and children and would spend so much time with them teaching them life skills and being a great support to them. The family began a new adventure together when Brian and Rachael retired earlier this year. They moved to Talkeetna, Alaska, on May 31, 2025. They found a cabin on 40 acres that matched Brian and Rachael's spirit for the outdoors and enjoyment of being in nature. Brian found peace in nature - he loved fishing, golfing, hunting with his Grandpa Jim, and sitting around a campfire. He cherished time spent with family - especially his wife and kids, his best friend, his brother Dustin - going to concerts, hanging out in the garage with his dog Scout, and talking on the phone; always making time to connect (with everyone and anyone!). Brian had a one-of-a-kind personality that will never be forgotten. He was always joking and teasing his kids, nieces and nephews, and siblings, wearing hilarious T-shirts and hats, and speaking bluntly and truthfully - never one to sugarcoat anything. His infectious laugh, legendary sense of humor, and one hell of a beard made him unforgettable. Beneath the tough exterior was a generous heart - he was the first to lend a hand, show up for someone in need, or simply make someone's day better by being exactly who he was. He is survived by his wife, Rachael; children: Taylor (Jake) Neudecker of Nebraska, Aedyn Neudecker of Paynesville, Alexia and Emese of Morristown, and Brileigh; granddaughter Oakleigh of Nebraska; parents Mike and Julie Neudecker of Redwood Falls; brother Dustin (Lacey Wambeke) Neudecker of Sioux Falls, S.D.; sister Nikki (Jason) Berry of the Lower Sioux; nieces and nephews: Carly, Woniya, Mush-Teh, Skuya, Kallen, Kaven, and Bronx Brian Berry; grandparents: Jim and Marze Johnson of Alexandria and Phyllis Neudecker of Eden Prairie; brother-in-law Casey (Angie) Cates of Hayfield; mother-in-law Bonnie (Jeff) Zufall of Aurora; aunts and uncles: Jodi (Curt) Bitzan of Alexandria, Jan (Jerry) Raddatz of Redwood Falls, Shari (Dave) Prouty of Lakeville, and Mark Neudecker of St. Paul; godmother Laurie Flesner of Alexandria; cousins: Aaron and Ashley, Shawn, Trevor and Sarah, Leah, Kylie and Jade, and Mandy; great-nephews: Brexton & Breylan; and countless family, friends, co-workers and Army family who loved and respected him deeply. He is preceded in death by grandfather Dennis Neudecker, uncles Steve Johnson and Ron Neudecker, cousin Cory Pierce, "Grandma" Beanie Geris and father-in-law Gordon Cates. Brian lived a life full of service, laughter, and love. He will be missed every single day by his family, friends, and everyone lucky enough to know him. "Live free, Dream big, Slow down and enjoy."-Brian