John Hugh ‘Hughie’ McNeil
GOULD CITY — John Hugh “Hughie” McNeil, age 94, of Gould City, Mich., passed away on April 23, 2023. He was born on March 7, 1929, in Escanaba, Mich., the son of Harry Wayne and Emma Jane (Sly) McNeil. Hughie was educated in Gould City, Mich. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.
Hughie married Rachel Burton October 30, 1954, at the Catholic Church in Gould City, Mich. They were married for 60 years until her passing on September 8, 2015. Hughie worked as a self-employed carpenter, building houses, including some of his children’s homes. He was a member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Curtis, Mich. Hughie enjoyed taking his side-by-side through the woods and enjoyed hunting and trapping throughout his life, well into his 90s. He was musically talented, played guitar and other instruments, and had his own band called Hughie’s Pick-Up Band. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, and the Lions. Hughie regularly caught up with “the boys” at the Berry Patch in Engadine for breakfast and coffee. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre and Cribbage. Hughie loved his garden and planted anything and everything that could possibly grow in the ground. Most of all he adored his wife, children and grandchildren and spent as much time with them as he could.
Hughie is survived by his son, Edward James McNeil of Manistique, Mich.; daughters, Josie (Guy) Swagart of Cooks, Mich., Evie (John) Frisch of Gould City, Mich., Charley (Robert) Bingham of Manistique, Mich.; son-in-law Dan Wing of Wyoming, Minn.; daughter-in-law, Ann McNeil of Michigan; grandchildren, Rick, John, Jennifer, Jason, Amanda, Rob, Ryan, Brandon, Mike, John, Sam, and Evie; and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Emma McNeil, his brothers and sisters, his wife Rachel McNeil, son David McNeil, and daughters Bonnie Lehman, and Velvet Wing.
Memorial contributions in Hughie’s name may be sent to Wounded Warriors or a veteran’s service organization of choice. A Celebration of Life and Graveside Service will be held at a later date, with times to be announced. Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique, Mich. is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be posted on their website at www.fausettfh.com.