Neal Lynn Billesbach

Hastings resident Neal Lynn Billesbach, 85, died Friday, March 21, 2008 at Perkins Pavilion, GSV, Hastings, NE. Services will be Monday, March 24, 2008 at 11 AM at the Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd. with the Rev. Del Klover officiating. Burial will be in Arapahoe Cemetery, Arapahoe, NE at 4:00 PM. Visitation will be Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 12 noon to 9 PM at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home & Cremation, Hastings, Ne. Neal was born October 24, 1922 to Harvey Lynn and Margaret (Tull) Billesbach in Republican Valley hospital in Cambridge, NE. He was baptized in 1934 at the Christian Church in Edison and joined the Trinity Lutheran Church in Arapahoe, NE in 1950. Neal grew up in Edison and his first 8 years lived above the depot where his father was a depot agent and his mother was the relief operator. In 1930 Harvey and Margaret bought a house where Neal lived until graduation from high school in 1940. While in school Neal enjoyed playing the drums in band, and he lettered 4 years in basketball. When 6 man football was started in 1939 he was the quarterback for his last 2 years. After graduation he moved to California and painted homes in Hollywood Hills and later moved to Redondo Beach with friends. He also worked as a cabin painter at Calship on Terminal Island during the war and earned his Journeyman's card. Neal later moved back to Edison and his brother Max got him a job as a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of McCook where he also worked. In August of 1947, Neal moved to Arapahoe and began his long career at Citizen's State Bank working for his uncle Finch Emmett and his cousin Roland Emmett. Neal retired as CEO on December 31, 1984 after 37 years. His parents divorced in the early 1940's so in 1948 his mother moved to Arapahoe and they made their home together for 2 years. On September 17, 1950 he was united in marriage to June Ramona Missing at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arapahoe. To this union was born 3 children, Craig Lee, Lori Lynn and Lisa Dawn. Neal was instrumental in forming Peace Lutheran Church which was a part of the American Lutheran Church. He and June were charter members and Neal served on the church council for some years until the church closed in 1984. They become members shortly thereafter at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Eustis until moving to Hastings in 1997. At that time they transferred their membership to the Church of the Good Shepherd. Neal was a charter member of the Arapahoe Lion's Club, belonging for 44 years with 30 years of perfect attendance. He was instrumental in beginning the Arapahoe Housing Authority (Sunshine Village) and served on the board of Commerce for 37 years and was a president and secretary-treasurer. He was also instrumental in founding the C.A. Mues Memorial Nursing Home and served on the board of directors for 13 years. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer and took care of the redemption of all the bonds. He helped found the Arapahoe Senior Center and was on the board for 3 years. He served a term as President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Southwest Nebraska Bank Institute. Neal also managed the Legion baseball team, for 2 years and spent 3 years on the Ella Missing Community Building Committee. Having a nice yard and garden was a love for Neals. He also loved to travel, was an avid Cornhusker fan and in later years bingo. He is survived by his wife June, son Craig of Denton, NE, daughter Lori and son-in-law Rich Long of Kearney, NE, and daughter Lisa and son-in-law Greg Hauser of Phoenix, AZ, 8 grandchildren, Cari Tran and husband Vu of Lincoln, NE, Cassi Billesbach and fianc(c) Sean of Lincoln, NE, Ryan Long, Adam and wife Melissa of Kearney, NE Aaron Long and fianc(c) Robin of Dubuque, IA, Cory Stark of Lincoln, NE, Lindsi Stark and Sam Hauser of Phoenix, 4 great grandchildren, Kale Long, Chance and Alexis Long of Kearney, Gage Long of Dubuque, brother Dale Billesbach, and wife Maryan of Grand Island, other relatives and host of friends. He was preceded in death by his mother in 1969, father in 1981, and brothers Rex in 1973 and Max in 1990. Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.