Neal Robert Hedke

Neal (Cozzy) Robert Hedke, Age 70, passed peacefully in his sleep in Arizona City, AZ on October 26, 2022.

Born June 30th 1952 in Winneconne WI to C. Don and Anita (Zellmer) Hedke. Neal's early childhood was spent playing around the lake with his big sister Laura. He loved sports and played in high school. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and announced the referee's calls before they did. In his early teens he learned to play the drums which would be a lifelong passion, and joined his Dad's band. He played in many bands over 50+ years, including Spiderlings, Mercy Beat and SNB (Stuck in Neal's Basement). Neal worked 35 years at the water plant for the City of Oshkosh. After retirement he and his fiancee Doree moved to Arkansas to ride motorcycles in the beautiful hills, and then on to Paradise Lake in Arizona where he took up boating and sailing again. Neal was a professional "putzer", he always had many projects going, and new ideas for the next 10. Neal woke up cheerful every day and loved to laugh and joke; he had a remarkable ability to connect with people who were naturally drawn to his funny and kind nature.

Neal is survived by his fiancee Doree (Rohde) Klassen, Arizona City, AZ , daughter Jennifer (Charles) Hardel, Oshkosh WI, stepdaughter Jennifer Srnka, Oshkosh WI, stepson Benjamin Neuhausel, Oshkosh WI, and bonus son Hunter (Camlynn Cornelius) Klassen, Green Bay, WI. Sister Laura (Steve) Fries, Manitowoc, WI. Nieces Stacey (Jeff) Rahmlow, Two Rivers, WI, Margaret (Dustin) Brill, Oshkosh, WI and nephew Jake Fries (Kimberly Brzozowski), Winneconne, WI. Grandchildren Serena Neuhausel, Hailey Hardel, Ella Hardel, Olivia Srnka, and Octavia Cornelius. Great nieces and nephews Sara Postel, Audrey Rahmlow, Elizabeth Rahmlow, Cassandra Rahmlow, John Rahmlow, Brock Kuether, Gillian Kuether, Chester Brill, Lonnigan Brill, Adele Brill, Evelyn Brzozowski.

Neal was preceded in death by his wife of 15 loving years Peggy (Johns) Hedke and his parents C. Don and Anita Hedke.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Wisconsin at a future date, Neal wanted a big party with food, drink and an open jam and that's what we will do.