Jack R. McNeill

Jack Russell McNeill Jack R. McNeill died at 4:35 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011 at the LaSalle Veteran’s Home at the age of 88. Jack was born December 5, 1923 in Erie, Illinois. He was the son of Leland and Hazel McNeill. He graduated from Erie High School. He and his twin brother John enlisted in the army after high school at the age of 18. He was trained as an engineer at the University of Florida. He served in the 531st Engineer Shore Regiment 1st Special Brigade during World War II. Jack landed on Normandy, June 6, 1944 “D-Day”. He and his twin brother John were always together. During the war they helped liberate the Dora Concentration Camp. He was also stationed on the island of Luzon, Philippines for one year. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Croix DeGuerre from the French Government. Following the war in 1946 Jack married Theresa Roman in St. Catherine Catholic Church in Prophetstown, Illinois. Jack and John owned and operated McNeill Twins Oil Company for 49 years in Prophetstown. In 2004 Jack and Theresa moved to Princeton, Illinois. Jack was president of the Prophetstown Elementary School Board for 16 years, Booster Club, Charter Member of Prophet Hills Country Club, American Legion Post 552, and was president of St. Catherine Men’s Club. He is survived by his wife, Theresa McNeill, Princeton, Illinois; two daughters, Bridgette (Paul) Castelein and Deb (Robert) Russell both of Princeton; four grandchildren, Caley (Heidi) Castelein, San Francisco, California, Andrew McNeill Russell, Princeton, Illinois, Margaret Russell, Chicago, Illinois and Elizabeth Russell, Chicago, Illinois; one great-granddaughter Keelan Castelein, San Francisco, California; one sister, Phyllis Miller, Geneseo, Illinois; one brother, Dr. Lee (Susan) McNeill of Charleston, Illinois; one sister-in-law Arlene McNeill, Prophetstown, Illinois and many nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his mother and father, one sister, Virginia Keehner, three brothers, twin John McNeill, Arland McNeill and Larry McNeill. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, Illinois with services at 11:00 at St. Louis Catholic Church with Father Stirniman officiating. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the LaSalle Veteran’s Home or the Wounded Warrior Project. Norberg memorial Home is caring for the family.

Jack R. McNeill

December 5, 1923 - December 2, 2011