LIVESTREAM SERVICE:

Melanie’s Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”

BROOKLYN - Melanie Marie Neal, age 57, of Brooklyn, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. She was born on Jan. 2, 1967, in Madison, the daughter of Martin and Marlene (Rinzel) Koch.

Melanie graduated from Oregon High School in 1985. She earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching from UW-Madison in December of 1989 and later in life went back to school to become a Library Media Specialist graduating with a master’s degree from UW-Whitewater. She married Jay Neal on July 21, 1990, at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church. Melanie worked as a Library Media Specialist at Indian Mound Middle School for the McFarland School District for 18 years.

Melanie’s greatest gift was being an amazing mother and the ultimate caregiver. She was always willing to help her family when needed. She had a passion for reading books and advocated for her students, family and friends on their reading journey. She loved gardening and traveling, especially to Northern Wisconsin to her family's cabin in Hayward.

Melanie is survived by her husband, Jay; son, Alex (Gabby) Neal; brothers, Michael (Tricia) Koch, Mark (Carol) Koch, Marty (Lauri) Koch and Matthew (Karie) Koch; sister, Mary (Bic) Koch; parents-in-law, Cecil and Karen Neal; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Marlene; and sister-in-law, Jodi Lewandowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, with Father David Wanish presiding. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, and also at church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515

Melanie M Neal

January 02, 1967 - October 03, 2024

Share photos of Melanie