Neil Blenker

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Neil Blenker (aka Bones, aka Diggs). Neil was born September 1, 1975, and died in a motorcycle accident on August 15, 2026.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 20 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with parish prayers at 4:00 p.m., at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon and Celebration of Life will follow at the Freeport Community Center immediately after the service until 3:00 p.m. The Mass will be livestreamed, and the link can be found at www.oneinfaith.org.

Neil was our gentle giant - kindhearted, easygoing, dependable, and truly a friend to all. He loved nature, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with family and friends. His ringtone was “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, a fitting reflection of a man who found happiness in the simple things and lived with a big and generous heart.

Neil graduated from Melrose High School in 1994 and was a dedicated employee at Land O’Lakes for 32 years, where his coworkers became another important part of the large circle of friends he made throughout his life. His loyalty, strong work ethic, and easygoing nature made him a valued friend and coworker to so many.

Neil was preceded in death by his brother, Daryl, and we find comfort in knowing the two brothers are together again with other family members who went before them, including his uncles, Rick and Tom Hoeschen, and his grandparents.

He is survived by his loving parents, Ivan and Renee; sisters, Lori (Steve) Melander, Amy (Brad) Herickhoff, and Angela (Craig) Bertram; niece, Ellie; nephews, Brandon (Janis), Mike, Tyler, and Evan; aunts and uncles; cousins; and countless friends.

Neil will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Rest easy, Neil—our gentle giant, our Simple Man. Our Bones. Our Diggs. Forever loved and never forgotten.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are preferred.