Neil Duane Wright

Services for Neil Duane Wright, 69, of Panora, were held on Feb. 25 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, with words of comfort by Father Chris Hartshorn of Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines and speaker John Rutledge.

Music included “Michael Row the Boat Ashore,” “Good, Good Father” and “Hallelujah” (Josh Monthei, guitarist). 

Casket bearers were Scott Cooper, Travis Lowe, Chris Kehoe, Dave Taylor, Todd Lawton and Jason Alsted.

Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery.

The family will be choosing a memorial in honor of Neil.  Memorials may be given to the family or left at the funeral home.

Neil passed away Feb. 20 after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Neil was born April 2, 1951, to Donald and Juanita (Kennett) Wright in Jefferson. After graduating from Jefferson Community High School in 1969, he attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. In 1970, Neil was married to Susan DeWitt and had daughter Nichole.

Throughout his life, Neil had many business ventures, including working for Morton Buildings and most recently owner of The Trash Man in Webster City.

Neil was a passionate businessman, and loved being involved in the community. He served on the Lake Panorama Association and Panora State Bank boards. He was a member of the Jefferson Elks. Neil was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Jefferson Community and Lake Panorama National golf courses.

Neil married Jolene (Golden) Wright in Hawaii on Dec. 1, 2001, and lived at the lake for over 20 years. Neil and Jolene enjoyed playing cards, traveling, boating and, of course, golf, golf, golf. They also enjoyed spending time with their seven grandchildren. Neil will be remembered through many stories told on the golf course and around the card table.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Juanita, and his grandson, Kenneth Declan Cunningham.

He is survived by his wife, Jolene; his daughter, Nichole Campbell, of Cumming; his stepchildren Joell and Buddy Herrick, of Waukee, Danny and Gina Cunningham, of Perry; grandchildren Grant, Gaven and Gage Campbell, Sydney and Halle Herrick, Skylar and Eliza Cunningham.