Neely Ann Shindelar
May 22, 1973–April 18, 2025
Neely Ann Shindelar, age 51, of Prairie du Chien, passed away peacefully at home in her mother’s arms on April 18, 2025.
She was born the daughter of Steven and Dorla (Howard) Shindelar on May 22, 1973, in Decorah, lowa.
At the age of eleven, Neely moved to Wisconsin Dells with her family, where she grew up and graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1991.
She was an outgoing, fun-loving child who loved swimming, water skiing, snow skiing, camping, and spending time with her family — especially with her sister Stephanie. Neely had one daughter, Trina Marie Neely Gibbons of Marshfield, Missouri, and loved her nieces and nephews especially her nephews Logan and Lucas — who she was very close to. She loved watching football, particularly cheering on her nephew Logan when his games were livestreamed. Her favorite teams were the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Throughout her long battle with Huntington’s Chorea, she was the epitome of strength. Always smiling, laughing, and joking-never showing self-pity, always worried about others. Everyone loved her, and she had a positive impact on many lives.
She loved the Lord and her church family at Bible Baptist Church. Neely was known for her hugs and would say, “Everyone needs a hug; you don’t know what they might be going through.” She also would say prayers when Med Flight would land at the hospital for the patient, family, and staff. Neely was rebaptized as an adult in the Mississippi River, per her request.
In 1991, Neely proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where she was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Her commitment to service was cut short when she suffered a severe allergic reaction after being bitten by fire ants during training. She received an honorable discharge due to this medical emergency, leaving the Army with pride and courage, just as she had entered it.
Though her time in uniform was brief, Neely carried the spirit of a solidier-resilient, brave and devoted to protecting.
Neely is survived by her daughter Trina of Marshfield, MO; mother Dorla (Jeff Workman) Huffman of Aitkin, Minn., and father Steve Shindelar of Riceville, Iowa; brother Bobby (Robin) Colbert, WA, and sisters Stephanie (Lorenzo Ascencio) Schoonover of Wisconsin Dells, and Stacy (Christopher) Simenz of Whitefish Bay; extended family Michael (Carrie) Workman of Sugar Grove, Ill., Brett (Megan) Workman of Aitkin, Minn., Amy (David Swartz) Workman of Nevis, Minn., James, Manuel, and Angelica Shindelar all of Boise, Idaho, Cody (Camyl) Hollis of New Plymouth, Idaho, Sophia Simenz of Whitefish Bay, Logan Schoonover and Lucas Ascencio both of Wisconsin Dells, among numerous others; and special friends Harry Larson of McGregor, Iowa, and Daryl and Ellen Larson of Waverly, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Sam and Pauline (Boleyn) Howard, and Daniel and Rita (Rosenbaum) Shindelar, as well as her beloved dog of many years, Buddy. Though gone too soon, she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Bible Baptist Church in Prairie du Chien, Pastor Andy Doll officiating with burial in the Illyria Cemetery near Elgin, Iowa.
Military honors will be accorded graveside.
The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com
