Judith “Judy” R. Neal, age 77, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away June 23, 2025 at home.
Judy was born June 23, 1948, in North Platte to Warren and Beula (Dike) Gerken.
Judy grew up on her family farm near Wellfleet, NE, and went to school in Curtis and North Platte. There she developed a love of horses and could often be found riding whenever she had free time. After graduating high school, she continued her education in cosmetology school in North Platte where she achieved her beautician license. She worked as a beautician for many years before moving on to working at the Cabela’s Call Center for several years and then retiring.
During her working life, Judy met the love of her life, Roger Harold Neal. They were wed on March 17, 1978. With the addition of her husband and step-son to her son and daughter, her happy family was complete. Judy often spent her free time crocheting and sewing many gifts for family and friends. She and Roger also raised cocker spaniels for over 10 years. After retiring, Judy enjoyed going to meals at the Moose Lodge to see friends. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities and supporting them whenever possible.
Those left to cherish Judy’s memory are her daughter Tina (Lynn) Pyzer of North Platte; son Tim (Amy) Ham of Hershey; step-son Pat Neal of Texas; grandchildren McKenzie Pyzer (Rance Waigand) of Curtis and Tel (Danneeka) Pyzer of North Platte; great-grandchildren Hayden, Hudson, Hadlynn, Heaton, and Huckley of Curtis; and many more family and friends whose lives she touched.
She is preceded in death by her husband Roger; father Warren Gerken and mother and step-dad Beula and Merle Rose; brother Larry Gerken; and sisters Pat Berg and Karen Pedigo.
A public book signing will be held Monday, June 30, 2025, from 9am to 5pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Callahan Cancer Center.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.