Neyens, Tony J. 1971-2010

NEYENS, DRAKE

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/16/2010 at 21:21:54

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, February 15, 2010

Tony J. Neyens, 38, of Madison, Wis., and formerly of Le Mars, died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at his parents' home in Le Mars after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tony John Neyens was born March 12, 1971, at Sioux City, the son of Melvin and Marilyn (Drake) Neyens. He was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Neptune and confirmed from St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. Tony was raised on the family farm near Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Community High School with the Class of 1989.

Following high school, Tony continued his education at Iowa State University, Ames, where he received a bachelor of science degree in meteorology in May 1993.

In July 1993, Tony accepted a position with Weather Central of Madison, Wisconsin. He worked in the Operations Department as a graphic designer creating weather maps that the company provided to television stations, radio stations and newspapers. His illness caused him to leave that position in July 2009.

Tony loved jazz music. He was well known in the jazz community around the Madison area as an ardent supporter of the music. He turned up at the local music venues so frequently that musicians grew to know him by name and even looked for him. In 2001, Tony was honored with an award from the Madison Jazz Society as "Madison's #1 Jazz Fan." His presence will be greatly missed on the Madison jazz venues.

Also while living in Madison, Tony became an accomplished tap-dancer and further added to his jazz recognition.

He had volunteered for years at the Madison Triathalon assisting where ever his talents were needed from registration, weather, or logistics.

Tony is survived by his parents, Melvin and Marilyn Neyens of Le Mars; a brother, Roger Neyens and his wife Lori of Le Mars; a sister, Brenda Pierce and Bruce Lamoureux of Elk Point, S.D.; four nephews and a niece, Brandon and Ashley Neyens and Marty and Chris Pierce; and a great-niece Kylee; his maternal grandmother, Mildred Drake of Le Mars; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends in Madison.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John's Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A., Le Mars, with the Rev. Gary Landsness officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Cemetery, Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be after 4 p.m. today (Monday) followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service all at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Roger Neyens, Bruce Lamoureux, Marty Pierce, Chris Pierce, Dave Britt, and Kory Mammen.