John “Jack” McNeil

John “Jack” McNeil, 89, of Mitchell, SD, passed away November 24, 2020, with family by his side at Weskota Manor in Wessington Springs. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 1, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial with Military Honors will be in Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

The funeral service will be live-streamed.

John Sylvester McNeil was born June 7, 1931 in Sioux Falls to John and Monica (Smith) McNeil. Jack grew up in Salem where he attended school at St. Mary’s. He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. His working career involved being a teacher, coach and crop insurance businessman. His priorities in life were faith, family, friends, country and then movies, books and music. In 1966 he married Betty Burg. They raised four children. Some of the best times Jack enjoyed in life were getting together with his friends and cousins and exaggerating their athletic successes. He often pulled a tattered and torn photo of his team from his billfold and the stories and laughter took over. Jack lived a great life and was well known for his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his four children: Pat (Daisy) of Fraser, CO; Mike (Jezal) of Bozeman, MT; Dan (Mandy) of Fraser, CO; Terry (Jaqi) of Granby, CO; nine grandchildren: Ariel, Jack, Luke, Maggie, Ruby, Cade, Mason, Rowan and Bridger; sister, Georgiann Griffin, Annandale, VA; and many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob; his father and mother-in-law, Albert and Pearl Burg; brother-in-law, Tom Griffin; and sister-in-law, Diane Burg.