Cornelius Whitney “Neal” Hyzer Sr., 74, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away of natural causes on March 26, 2026, at Reedsburg Area Medical Center.

Neal was born on June 2, 1951, in Neenah, Wisconsin, to Donald V. Hyzer and Patricia Ruth Whitney. His father’s work in paper mill design allowed the family to travel extensively throughout the United States and Europe. A naturally inquisitive and inventive young man, Neal graduated from high school in a Pittsburgh suburb and joined the U.S. Navy Reserves at age 17, serving for four years, including a deployment to Germany.

While in Germany, Neal met missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found deep spiritual connection and comfort in its teachings. Upon returning to the U.S., he moved to Provo, Utah, attended Brigham Young University, and met the love of his life, NonaLee Farr. He served a two-year mission in Texas, an experience he often recalled with fondness for its lasting impact.

Neal and NonaLee married on June 20, 1975. The couple moved to Wisconsin, where Neal earned his Juris Doctor degree from Marquette Law School in 1980. He practiced law for 20 years before transitioning to a new career driving semi-trucks—a job he loved and never regretted.

After his mother’s death, Neal retired and returned home to Reedsburg to care for his father. He remained an active member of his faith, devoting time to gospel study and sharing it with anyone willing to listen. He was remembered warmly by all who knew him. In his later years, Neal enjoyed painting, writing, reading, and, most of all, spending time with family.

Neal was preceded in death by his father Donald V. Hyzer, mother Patricia R. Hyzer, sister Betsy Piette, brother Mark, daughter-in-law Christina Hyzer, son-in-law Garrett M. Moore, and grandchildren Ephraim and Ezekiel Hyzer.

He is survived by his wife NonaLee Hyzer, sister Phyllis Smith, sister-in-law Sue Hyzer, sons Cornelius W. Jr., Joseph P., Arthur V., Benjamin L., Freeman I., Jacob C., and D. Mark Hyzer, daughter Desiree Moore Forster, their spouses, 41 grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Neal are scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 813 Iroquois Circle, Baraboo, WI 53913.  Military rites will follow the service at the church. Visitation will also be on Friday, at the church from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. Burial will be made in Greenwood Cemetery, Reedsburg.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.