Neal GMEINER

1930 - 2025

March 15, 1930 - February 15, 2025

Neal Gmeiner, age 94, passed away on February 15, 2025. Neal made a deep and meaningful impact on everyone he knew. Known for his quick wit and sharp mind, he was thoughtful, humble, and loyal. People gravitated towards him because he made us feel valued, always looking for and finding the good in everyone. His ability to make people feel welcomed and known changed the lives of his extended family, students, athletes, and friends. Born March 15, 1930, on his grandparents' farm in Fairfield, WA, Neal liked to joke that he was born in a manger. His father, suffering from PTSD after WWI, was not active in his childhood, inspiring Neal, later in life, to go out of his way to be there for others. This left Neal's mother, Laura, to raise him and his beloved sisters, Jean and Polly. Despite difficult times, she instilled in them her strong faith, relentless work ethic, and gentle strength. Although not physically large, Neal was a feisty and competitive athlete. He would declare with humor that he was All-City in three sports (Fairfield, WA, population 500). Neal earned his teaching degree from Eastern Washington University in 1952 and remained a dedicated Eastern supporter his entire life. Upon graduation, he entered the Army during the Korean War. Much to his surprise his strong test scores created the opportunity for this small-town kid to serve as a Cryptologist for NATO Command in Italy. Upon returning to Spokane, he married Vernie, started a family, and began his career as a teacher. He taught first at Browne Elementary and later at Wilson Elementary. In the early 1970s, he started a youth track club as he saw a need in the community. He championed female athletes well before Title IX, spending summers building a thriving co-ed team where he encouraged thousands of children to compete and reach their full potential. With clipboard in hand, meticulously keeping individual records, he celebrated each athlete's growth and progress. It was important to Neal that every child who wanted to participate had the opportunity. He was known for driving all over town providing kids with rides to practices, meets, and games in his twelve-passenger van. Neal will always be remembered as someone who gave to others in quiet and meaningful ways. In retirement, Neal found joy in his children, grandchildren, friends, his companion Patty, golf, and attending countless sporting events, most importantly Eastern Eagles Football. As his children, we learned the meaning of friendship by watching the joy in his lifelong friendships from childhood, college, and track years. Even in his nineties, he continued to make new friends at the Spokane Veterans Home. Neal lived his life filled with kindness, love, and integrity. Neal leaves behind four children, Larry (Diane), Lynn (Shirley), Lee (Adrianna), and Lonni (Phil); ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and far too many other friends and family to name. The feeling that stays with us is that "Grandpa Donut" saw us and celebrated us enthusiastically. He lived his life in a way that left so many better off for having known him. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, July 13th from 1-4pm at The Lower Manito Park Shelter, a place special to him where he watched his children and grandchildren play.