Neil Joseph Kiedinger passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023. He was born December 2, 1930, to Frank and Lurena (Germain) Kiedinger in Green Bay, Wisconsin, blessed with 92+ years of life. He shared 67 1/2 years of that life married to Gertrude (nee Hogan).

Neil grew up on the west side of Green Bay. He served as altar boy at Annunciation Church, set pins at a bowling alley and delivered groceries in his youth. Neil graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948 and joined the Green Bay Press Gazette. In 1951, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS Ulvert M. Moore in Korea, as a radarman. After his first tour, he returned to Green Bay where he met Gert at a Christmas Party. They began their long-distance courtship when Neil left for his next tour of duty on shore at Kodiak, Alaska. Honorably discharged on October 15, 1954, Neil returned to Green Bay and married Gert on October 15, 1955. He always told us that he gained his freedom on one October 15th and lost his freedom on the next October 15th, but quickly added "I never really lost anything as long as she was by my side."

The Green Bay Press Gazette saw Neil begin his career as a printer's apprentice and retire 41 years later as Foreman of the Composing Room. He was inducted into the Press Gazette 25 Year Club during that time and later served as president. After retiring, Neil began his second career. He served twenty years with Bellin Concerned Hearts Club working as a cardiology patient escort, newsletter editor, board member, co-organizer for the Concerned Hearts Club Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser and president. He also served twenty years with the Wisconsin American Red Cross, transporting blood. Neil's woodworking skills produced many pieces, eternally treasured by his family. Bowling and golfing kept him active during his work years into retirement. It was traveling though, that gave Neil a chance to do something else he truly enjoyed—driving.

Family trips were carefully planned by Gert, to get us there and back in one day. Neil and the Coleman stove cooked up many breakfasts, as we were always in the car and on the road before dawn. Our biggest vacation took us on a whirlwind tour of the Great Lakes. For seven days Neil followed the roads while our family of seven created lasting memories. As the years went by, he drove for our activities, family gatherings, the Northern Step Drill Team, and the many special family occasions after grandchildren were born. His best days driving were spent crisscrossing the country for paper conventions, visiting family and friends, and exploring America with his cameras to photograph new vistas for Gert to paint.

Neil is survived by his loving and devoted wife Gert and their five children: Jane (Steve) Rollin; Sharon (Pete) Taylor; Gene (Debbie) Kiedinger; Peg Kiedinger; Donna (Mike) O'Connor; six grandchildren, several nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and brothers-in-law, Nathalie and Dr. Donald Rowe and Germain and Ken Manka and a brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Helen Kiedinger, and three nephews; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Clayton and Bernice Hogan and Eli and Nell Hogan.

Friends and family will gather at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2771 Oakwood Dr., from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23; Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. celebrated by Fr. Bill Hoffman, assisted by Sr. Marla Clercx A.N.G. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com .

Thank you to Emerald Bay Assisted Living and Memory Care staff for their constant care and kindness for Neil. Thank you to Unity Palliative/Hospice staff for helping Neil with his final journey. Thank you to Bellin Cardiology for giving us many more years with our father, and a very special thank you goes out to Dr. Bongiorno and his staff for the many years of care you provided for Neil. We are grateful.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Red Cross of Wisconsin Northeast Chapter or Unity Hospice of De Pere, Wisconsin.