Neal Robert Stucky, 79, of Marine on the St. Croix, formerly of Pine Island, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at the Thornecrest Retirement Community in Albert Lea.

Neal was born on Aug. 23, 1934, to Robert and Florence (nee Geise) Stucky in Olmsted County and grew up on a farm south of Pine Island. He graduated from Pine Island High School in 1952. Neal worked for Thorpe Loan & Thrift for several years before becoming the credit manager for Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea. After several years there Neal took a position at Hazelden Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Lindstrom as a credit manager, and he retired in 2000.

Neal enjoyed horses, golfing and fishing when he was younger. After going through alcohol treatment in 1976, Neal committed his life to staying sober and helping others do the same. His whole focus in life was on his new extended family within his AA groups and those he sponsored. In the end, Neal was attending AA meetings five nights a week in the Forest Lake and White Bear Lake area.

Neal was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. He is survived by his children Brenda (David) Strenge of Ellendale, Scott (Sandy) Stucky of Northwood, Andrea (Kurt) Nelson of Crystal, Craig Stucky of Albert Lea; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters Delma Clarey-St. John of Rochester, Mary (Gary) Hunt of Eagan; and good friend Nancy of Marine on the St. Croix.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence; twin brother, Nathan Stucky, who died shortly after birth; grandchildren, Justin “JT” Schumacher, Anne Hartman; one great-grandchild; nephew, Shawn; great-nephew, Corey; brothers-in-law, Don Clarey, and Bob St. John.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at United Methodist Church in Pine Island with the Rev. Carolyn Westlake officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Island Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.