Brian F. Neely, age 54, of Waupaca, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born December 26, 1967 in Clintonville, WI; son of Gerald “Jerry” and Carol (Allard) Neely. After high school Brian started working at the Wheelhouse Restaurant. This work experience initiated his life-long passion for the hospitality and service industry. Brian started a partnership with his friend, Tim Morey, and they began running the Indian Crossing Casino in 1996. On September 28, 2001 Brian married Heather Mares at the Red Mill Chapel in Waupaca. Together through the years they raised two beautiful daughters, Makayla and Mathena. After his years at the Casino, he went on to work for Dent Wizard. Brian was always driven to balance work and family life and he accomplished this by starting his own business, Paintless Dent Repair, “Ding Daddy” in 2015.

Brian was a collector of many things, including his John Deere lawn tractors and die cast model cars. He was a loyal friend and enjoyed a very social life with his friends, hanging out and reminiscing in the “Ding Daddy” garage. Many camping excursions and trips up north with the “boys” over Father’s Day weekend led to countless memories. Brian was an amazing husband and proud dad and he will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Brian is survived by his wife Heather Neely of Waupaca; his two daughters Makayla and Mathena of Waupaca; his mother Carol Scherer of Waupaca; three sisters Jeri (Jim Spelman) Neely Yoder of Rockford, IL, Jacki (Steve) Johnson of Waupaca, and Andrea (Chris) Melk of Waupaca; father-in-law John (Kathy) Mares of New London; mother-in-law Sheila (Jim) Villiesse of New London; sister-in-law Heidi (Wayne) Trembly of Oshkosh; two brothers-in-law Chad (Laura) Mares of Bear Creek and Scott (Martha Stiebs) Mares of Clintonville; his “fur baby” companions Mocha and Molly; and also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Gerald “Jerry” Neely; two step-fathers Deane Ransom and David Scherer; a sister November “Nevy” Doty; and a niece Teagan Yoder.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca. A visitation will be held on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Brian’s name. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.