Neil Harold Shively

Shively, Neil H. CAMBRIDGE-Neil H. Shively, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 30, 2014, with his family by his side. Neil was born in Menominee, Mich., on Sept. 1, 1931, to Edna (Sword) and Ralph Shively. He graduated from Goodman High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1954 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the UW-Madison in 1958. Neil married Jacqueline Ann Peterson on Aug. 13, 1955. The young couple moved to Dubuque, Iowa in 1958 where Neil began his journalism career as a general reporter at the Telegraph Herald. Neil returned to Madison in 1967 for the start of a 25-year career devoted to covering the Wisconsin State government for the Milwaukee Sentinel. Neil’s fairness and accuracy as Madison Bureau Chief earned him the professional respect and opportunity to work closely with governors, Supreme Court justices, legislators and countless others. Neil’s sincerity built friendships, including the prestigious Friday lunch group at the Avenue Bar in Madison. One legislative leader said of Neil, “He always had the story, and he always had it right.” Neil’s retirement recognition in 1992 included no less than four Wisconsin governors. In 1995 the UW School of Journalism honored Neil with a Distinguished Journalism Award, and the Milwaukee Press Club inducted him into its Hall of Fame. Neil also did double duty covering the Badger Hockey team in the 1970’s. Neil was a multi-sport athlete and fan; his passion for golf topped them all. After his retirement, Neil and Jackie traveled the globe and enjoyed annual trips to Maui, Hawaii to visit David, Chiori and Kai. Neil loved Wisconsin, especially when fishing and relaxing at the family cottage in Door County. There wasn’t a Badger team he wouldn’t follow and loved the Brewers and his Packers. After moving to Cambridge in 1989, he and Jackie adopted Lake Ripley Country Club as their new golf home where they enjoyed many strong friendships. Neil worked tirelessly on public service projects including the Special Edition Dinner for a UW School of Journalism scholarship and the Restoration of the State Capitol building. He served on the Cambridge Village Board, the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin and most recently with the Friends of the Cambridge Community Library. Neil loved people and was a masterful and prolific storyteller. He never forgot a name or a golf shot. His recall of detail was uncanny, befitting a reporter, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of Wisconsin government. Neil is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; children, Patti (Charlie) Ethridge of Monona, Ralph Shively of Madison, Beth (Michael) Walsh of Madison and David (Chiori) Shively of Lahaina, Hawaii. Neil was adored by his six grandchildren, whose sporting and academic events he rarely missed, Lindsay LaVaque, Max Ethridge, Kai Shively and Molly, Billy and Megan Walsh. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, June and Nancy. Funeral services for Neil will be held at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 501 Skogen Road, Cambridge, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Relatives and friends may also meet with the family at the church on Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials can be made to Friends of the Cambridge Community Library, Grace Lutheran Church in Cambridge and the UW Foundation, School of Journalism. The family would like to thank Dr. Hegeman and the Carbone Cancer team at UW Health for their care and concern. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420