Neal M. Johnson

Neal Michael Johnson, 63, of Casper, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born to the late Earl R. Johnson and the late Elizabeth Margaret (Hageman) Johnson, November 14, 1954, in Casper, Wyoming. Neal graduated from Natrona County High School in 1973 where he ran track and played ice hockey, attended Casper College for his first three semesters where he also acted in Death of a Salesman, and received a Bachelors in Accounting with Honors from the University of Wyoming in 1977. He was inducted into Mortarboard at that time. He continued his education and received a Masters in Accounting from UW in 1978 and taught accounting for UW for two years. He married Mary Carroll Rahm from Casper on June 17, 1978, and they lived in Laramie until Mary received her Masters.

Neal then worked in Casper as a CPA from 1979 until he set up his own practice in Glenrock, Wyoming, in 1992. After several years, Neal returned to Casper and opened a practice there until his retirement in December 2017. Neal also was an adjunct professor in accounting at Casper College for many years. Neal had a reputation for excellence, and clients report that he was fair, kind and honest in his interactions with them. Neal died on the same day as his father, a Casper CPA and mayor, before him. He wrote on his Facebook page when thinking about his father that his father taught him to "work hard, be fair and just to others, and most importantly be kind to all." (April 20, 2016)

Mary and Neal had their first date on September 23, 1972, at a Kelly Walsh High School production of Romeo and Juliet. This somehow cemented the incredible love and fun they had. They did everything together, loved numerous dogs together, and had a home at the time described by Mary's mother as a dollhouse. Mary's parents, the late Carroll and Mary Ruth (Walker) Rahm, considered Neal a son. Neal felt they became his parents. The four of them travelled and enjoyed each other's company until her folks passed. Neal loved gardening, and the yard early on was covered in flowers and bushes, and shaded by the big Elm tree in the backyard. For a few years he grew strawberries and vegetables in a small plot of that yard. Neal always had the lawn mowed early on a Saturday and then moved on to other activities he loved.

Neal was an active member of Master Gardeners in Casper and did lots of volunteer work until his health began to fail. At the time of his death he had just joined the Casper Garden Club and already had volunteered to do club work. Neal was active in many Masonic and Shrine organizations. He was a member of Laramie Lodge #3 (as was his father-in-law). In the Korein Temple Shrine he served as Treasurer for several years. He was a member of the Casper Shrine Club with Carroll, and served as President of the Oriental Band, which he dearly loved. The band won several competitions in the Pacific Northwest division. Neal played the muset, and the band performed often, well-known for the Arab robes they wore in the Casper parades. Neal was also an active member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and earned the red hat of the organization. For many years he worked on the scholarship committee for Scottish Rite, which gave scholarships to active college students. He also was a member of the York Rite of Freemasonry, and he was a member of the Temple Jesters.

Neal was a member of Elks for many years, the Casper Kiwanis, and even wore the Civil War uniform of the 1860s as a member of Co. I volunteer re-enactors at Fort Casper. His work rebuilding the telegraph system there as well as constructing beds for the group in the fort are still there today. He spent a couple Christmases manning the fort in the cold as a sentry when the fort was opened to the public for tours. Neal was well-known at Dean Morgan Junior High where his wife worked, as he volunteered there to help her with her clubs and activities. He even dressed as Comet Man during an assembly when she was retiring.

Neal was an active member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Casper. He served on the Vestry as Treasurer, and at the time of his death was a member of the Worship Leaders. Neal loved this particular ministry, studied the bible with church members, and was known for his clear and bold voice in services. He was asked to conduct Healing Services on Wednesdays when Father Smylie was not available. This was a gift, for those attending said he was so prepared and filled with God's words, and he was so kind.

Neal loved, in addition to gardening and animals (at the time of his death, his long-haired chihuahuas, Molly and Mikey, with Mikey being named after the Life cereal boy who could eat anything), cooking, acting, history, politics, travel and museums, plays and band concerts, and good conversation. Mary and Neal had travelled many places over the years, and they especially loved nature and sites in Wyoming, Florida, especially Daytona Beach, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, and anything Disney. He was honored to meet and visit with hockey player Wayne Gretsky in Canada, and actors Leonard Nimoy and Vincent Price at UW.

He was known for his sense of humor. When a visitor came to hospice and said he was going to miss Neal, Neal answered, "I'm gonna miss me, too." Physical pain began to take over in the final years of his life, but rather than complain about it when asked how he was feeling, he always answered, "I'm still vertical." Part of his charm was wondering what he would say to break up any tension in the room. Neal was usually quiet but when he did speak, people usually listened to him.

Neal is survived by his heartbroken wife of nearly forty years, two devasted dogs, his sister Barbara Amadio from Lander, several nieces and nephews, and cousins from the Hageman and Johnson families. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard, and beloved dogs Sugar Bear, Prince Pepe Cocoa, Yolanda, Sarge, and Sweetie.

Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Newcomer Casper Chapel. Funeral services will be April 26, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 701 S. Wolcott, with Father Jim Shumard officiating. A reception will follow in the church parish hall. Committal will be held with Masonic Honors at 2:00 p.m. in Highland Cemetery.

Mary requests that memorial contributions be made to the Casper Humane Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

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