Neal E. Delaney, age 77, went to his final adventure on February 1, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He died surrounded by his family at Cedar Village, Ness City, Kansas. Neal was born on October 7, 1946, in Ransom, Kansas, the son of Sam and Frieda (Meis) Delaney.
Neal attended Ness City Schools, graduating in 1965, the 1st class in the new high school. He went on to attend Greer Tech School in Chicago. He worked at Durfee’s before serving in Vietnam with the United States Army. Neal and his brother Dean did custom cutting for several years. They then rented a farm and Neal began his passion to be a farmer. He purchased his first land in 1973. He leaves a beautiful legacy for his family!
Neal married Dianne Witthuhn on May 31, 1982, in Ness City. To this union were born two children. He is survived by his wife; son, Jared (Stephanie) of Ness City; daughter, Heather (Kyle) Downs of Derby; four grandchildren, Clayton and Carl Delaney, Brooke and Jacob Downs; brother, Dean (Kathy) Delaney of Alamota; sister, Marion Kleweno of Bazine; mother in law, Pauline Witthuhn of Ness City; brother in law, Don (Nancy) Witthuhn of Bazine; and many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Frieda Delaney; niece, Shelly Wesley; father in law, Bud Witthuhn; and brother in law, Larry Kleweno.
A funeral service will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on February 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m. followed by burial in the Ness City Cemetery. Viewing will be at the funeral home on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Grandchildren Education Fund or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.