Neal W. Altenburg

Neal William Altenburg, Sr. passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, in Hancock, Wisconsin, at the age of almost 90! Known for his unwavering dedication to farming and his profound connection to the land, Neal spent his life cultivating produce that nourished both body and soul. His commitment to agriculture was not merely a profession but a way of life, embraced with passion and perseverance.

Neal was born into a family of farming on December 9, 1934, to Kenneth and Marion (Stratton) Altenburg and was a 1952 graduate of PJ Jacobs High School. He continued the family legacy with pride, ensuring the values of hard work and sustainability were passed down through generations. His fields were not just a source of livelihood but a testament to his life's work and love for farming.

Neal was a devoted husband, sharing nearly 70 years of marriage with his cherished wife, Annette. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and resilience. Their partnership was a beacon of strength and unity, inspiring all who knew them. After marrying Annette, Neal brought his new bride who was raised in sunny Florida, northward, delicately initiating her to Wisconsin’s white winter “beach sand.” Soon thereafter, he tirelessly cleared much of his farmland of trees and built, by hand, the home in which he raised his family, using much of those same trees.

Neal was the proud father of six children, each of whom carries forward his legacy of integrity and dedication, (and need to propagate): Deborah (late Steven) Craig, Neal “Bill” Altenburg, Jr., Mark Altenburg (Lisanne Lavoie), Joel (Julie) Altenburg, Ellen Altenburg-Wadel (Greg Wadel), and Richard Altenburg and grandchildren Amy (Jerry) Stafford, Tony (Jolene ) Craig,  Barry “Bear” Craig,  Diana (Josh) Henke, Mitchell Altenburg ( David Lerner), William Altenburg, Daniel (Jessica) Altenburg, Arielle Altenburg (partner Loren Trujillo), Justin Altenburg, Jared Wadel, Haley Wadel (fiancé Patrick Heidtke), Stacy Higgins, Shannon Altenburg (Patrick Gallo), Maximilian Altenburg, West Altenburg, River Altenburg, and great grandchildren Jasmine Stafford, Kaden Stafford, Isabelle Craig, Sawyer Craig, Dalton (Cheyenne)  Lamb,  Alexis Henke, Emily Henke, Bailey Henke, Dana Altenburg-Lerner, Akiva Altenburg-Lerner, Apollo Altenburg, Leia Altenburg, Bryson Wadel, Mason Higgins,  and great-great grandson Miles Henke-Smith. Neal leaves behind many loving relatives including his siblings Harold (late Jean) Altenburg, Olive Hamilton, Tom (Colleen) Altenburg, and Mary (late Ken) Steinke, as well as very special friends, Lynne Altenburg, John Jolivette, Ernst Hannemann and Louie “the Honeyman.”

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marion, and brother Eugene Altenburg.  His family was his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and the close-knit bond they shared. Throughout his life, Neal was a pillar of strength to his family, known for his drive for perfection (“I’d do it this way…”) and his incredible and spontaneous sense of humor. We all remember times where Neal regaled us with his love for movie one-liners, his comedic word play, quick jests, and Neal-isms or tickled us with a lengthy story that inevitably came to an amusing ending. Some of us remember his heart rending stories such as “tiny black dog with a broken leg,”  Neal’s oystering with brother Tom tale, “ensuring the boat doesn’t fall off the earth as the fog lifts,” his “candy bar wrapper deer story,” his “amortization lottery losers payback schedule,” and the ever-favorite, “King Tutt’s butt fell off!” letter, complete with “ancient” artifacts, and many more.

Neal William Altenburg, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and humor. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man who touched many, many lives. He taught us well. Thank you, Neal, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, and Friend.

One of Neal’s favorite sayings: “May those who love us, love us. And those who don’t love us, may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn’t turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles, so we’ll know them by their limping.”

A celebration of life is planned for May 18, 2025, at the Hancock Community Center.