Neva and Earl had three children—Sheryl Jean, Kevin, and Jill. Neva was a devoted wife and mother. Their oldest child, Sheryl Jean, was born cognitively disabled. In the 1940s parents were often encouraged to institutionalize children who were not “normal”. Earl and Neva were not going to give up their child and thus they began the journey of loving and raising Sheryl Jean in addition to their two other children. This was a happy household, abounding in love shown amidst many happy family gatherings. Neva encouraged all of her children and was always very proud of all of them.
 
One of the special places that Neva’s family loved to gather was at the family cottage on Lake Eau Claire. Along with the help of both of their parents, they built a cabin there in the early 1940s. The family enjoyed fishing, boating, and picnicking there. What a thrill it was when Guy and Lula purchased the first pontoon. The cabin is still in the family, with the third and fourth generations loving it as much as Neva and Earl did.
 
Neva was a life-long member of the United Methodist church. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s group, participating and assisting in their mission. She taught Sunday school, led the youth group, and she and Earl were janitors for the church in Mondovi for a few years. Neva was a woman of faith. Her strong faith carried her through all the joys and sadness that she faced.
 
Among the many joys of Neva’s life were her grandchildren. Neva savored being part of their lives. She was an avid storyteller and playmate to all three of her grandchildren. As the grandchildren became adults, each visit to Neva involved lengthy explanations so that grandma would know what the grandchildren were doing. 
 
Sadly, in 2005 Neva’s health began a slow decline. Neva was very determined to stay in her own home as long as possible, and she accomplished that mission in that she only spent her last five months in the nursing home. 
 
Neva was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her daughter Sheryl Jean. She is survived by her son, Kevin (Kris) Langworthy, her daughter , Jill (Allen) Weisenbeck, and her grandchildren, Laura (Matthew) Weisenbeck Dragseth, Sara (Alexander) Lewke, and Lucy Weisenbeck.
 
Visitation will be today, November 17 from 4-7 at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, at Our Savior’s United Methodist Church in Mondovi with Pastor Dale Engen officiating. There will also be a visitation one hour before the church service on Wednesday. Burial will be in the Oak Park Cemetery immediately following the services. Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com.
 
Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.