Neil Elsliger had been dodging bullets for the better part of 30 years before cancer, diabetes and heart disease ganged up on him all at once this November.  It was the only way they could take down this stubborn little man, who barely acknowledged he was ever even sick.

Neil was a troublemaker, who would go to any length for a laugh.  He tickled his young children until they peed their pants; he played women’s parts in off Broadway musicals; and as a softball catcher he rattled many a batter’s concentration with his incessant banter.  He sang, danced, bowled, curled, golfed and cheated at cards.

Neil could fix or build anything he put his mind to, and could out-work men twice his size. 

He provided his wife Lorraine and children Todd, Jason and Dana an amazing life of laughter, adventure and privilege. 

We are grateful to Friends In Song for giving him a spotlight to shine again. 

Thanks to all the friends, family and health care workers who put up with his antics, encouraged his silly humor, and kept him happy and in our lives for as long as he was.

There will be a memorial gathering in the summer of 2018 in Jacquet River.