Mr. F. Neil Hartzell

Mr. F. Neil Hartzell, 82, of Lady Lake, Florida formerly of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 5:19 a.m. Monday, August 30, 2021, at his home from lung cancer. 

Neil was born November 15, 1938, in Galesburg the son of Cletus and Lavonne (Schroeder) Hartzell.  He married Nancy Bugus in 1958.  He later married Connie Camper-Simkins in Galesburg on April 19,1968.  Following the death of his wife, Connie, he married Lorraine Miner on August 14, 2004. They had just celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.   He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Connie, two sons, Rodney "Roddy" Hartzell and Frederick N. Hartzell, Jr "Freddy", one grandson, Jimmy Hartzell, brother-in laws, Francis "Gene" Camper, Donald Camper and Robert "Bob" Adcock. 

Neil is survived by his wife, Lorraine, his four children, Bernadine (Dusty) White of Phoenix, Arizona, Tony (Vanessa) Hartzell of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Ronda (Chad) Chamberlain of Galesburg, Illinois and Joe (Sally) Hartzell also of Phoenix, Arizona, a daughter-in-law Rebecca Hartzell of Venice, Florida and a step-daughter Natalie (Keith) Risley of North Augusta, South Carolina, twelve grandchildren, Sean (Julie) Hartzell, Jason (Aimee) Burton, Jennifer Hartzell, Kelsey Hartzell, Devin Hartzell, Nicole (Armando) Vasquez, Jordan Britton, Ashley Hartzell, Michael Hartzell, Elsie Hartzell, Robert (Elizabeth) Risley and Nicole Risley, 10 great-grandchildren, his sister, Sherrill Adcock, of Galesburg, Illinois, brothers-in-law, Vernon (Carol) Brdlik of Kenosha, Wisconsin and Tom (Betty) Camper, of Galesburg, Illinois as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. 

Neil was raised in Victoria, Illinois then moved to Galesburg, Illinois in 1972.  He graduated from ROVA High School in 1956 where he played basketball.  He went on to attend Carl Sandburg College for two years and Western Illinois University for a year.  Neil proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1961.  He was stationed in England for a year and was honorably discharged as an A/2C.  In his younger years he worked on his family farm, Gates Rubber Company and then was employed by United Parcel Service (UPS) for 32 years, retiring in 2001.  He and Lorraine moved to The Villages, Florida in 2006.

He was very active in the Galesburg Motorcycle Club and was instrumental in starting events that are still taking place there.  He was an avid motorcycle racer in his younger years racing in flat track, moto-cross and enduro.  He later picked up a love for the game of golf.  He loved to travel by car because he got to see the country better and had been all over the United States.  He enjoyed cruises with his wife, Lorraine, and a favorite being through the Panama Canal and they both loved all things Disney.  Neil was a die hard Bears fan and loved the game of football.  He never sat still, unless he was watching a game or golf, and was always tinkering with something, helping a friend or taking care of his loved ones in one way or another.  He was a man of honor, loyalty, humor, humility, kindness, nurturing, faith and great love, a true gentleman. 

Visitation is scheduled for 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral services will follow in the chapel with Rev. Paul Lydic officiating.  Military Rites will be conducted at the funeral home.  In line with CDC and IDPH guidelines, attendees will be required to wear a mask in the funeral home.  Cremation will be accorded.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or St. Joseph's Indian School.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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