Neil Whetstone

Neil Edward Whetstone was born June 1, 1931 in Grand Island, NE to Willis Wilber and Catherine M. (Dougherty) Whetstone. He grew up in Grand Island where he attended St. Marys Cathedral School, graduating in 1949. Neil went on to St. Benedict College in Atchison, KS from where he graduated in 1953. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Wadas on October 30, 1954 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. Evelyn died on April 24, 1999. Neil was then united in marriage to Judy (Oppliger) Franzen on June 2, 2001 at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus.

Neils passion in the auto industry started with his fathers Grand Island dealership, Whetstone Motors and was carried forward with his own auto parts business, Major Auto Parts in Columbus. In retirement he worked for the New World Inn and delivered parts for Ernst Auto Center. Neil enjoyed playing golf, following his grandchildrens activities, card club, traveling, and having coffee with his friends. He was a member of the Eagles Club, Lions Club, Columbus Little League Baseball, St. Isidore Catholic Church, St. Bonaventure Catholic Church where he helped clean the church, delivered Meals on Wheels, and served 40 plus years of Hour of Adoration.

He is survived by:
Wife Judy Whetstone of Columbus, NE
Son Don (Connie) Whetstone of Kearney, NE
Daughter Mary (Tom) Santin of Palmer, NE
Daughter Patti Jo Whetstone of Fort Myers, FL
Son Jim (Leanne) Whetstone of Omaha, NE
Daughter Susanne (Richard) German of Omaha, NE
Son Michael (Cheralyn) Whetstone of Virginia Beach, VA
Step-Daughter Tammy (Steve) Dolezal of Columbus, NE
Step-Son Ty (Donna) Franzen of Elkhorn, NE
Grandchildren: Tim and Kevin Whetstone; Ryan, Rikole, Riley, Brett, and Brad Santin; Ben, Tom, and Lizzie Whetstone; Brian, Brook Whetstone, Steve and Scott German, Cassie German-Ascencion; Andrew, Michelle, Christa, Sydney, and Luke Whetstone
Step-Grandchildren Joe and Tyler Dolezal
9 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews
Brother Michael (Dianne) Whetstone of Wisconsin
Brother Robert (Carol) Whetstone of Wisconsin

He is preceded in death by:
Parents
1st Wife Evelyn
Brother Donald Whetstone

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Bonaventure Church, St. Isidore Church, Autism Awareness, or to the wishes of the family