Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series:
Tribute
Folder:
DIG
Item:
271407
Title:
Charles "Chuck" L. Neff
Date:
8/5/1957-10/13/2024
Creator:
Inscription/Marks:
8/5/1957
Summary:
Charles L. "Chuck" Neff, 67, died peacefully, surrounded by family October 13, 2024. A funeral service was held October 19, 2024, at Faith Methodist Church in Williston, ND. He was laid to rest at the Riverview Cemetery in Williston.
The son of LaVern and Juanita (Jones) Neff, Chuck was born on August 5, 1957. In typical Chuck fashion, he came into the world on his own time and in a hurry! Chuck was born early, weighing only 4 pounds and was brought home from the hospital in a shoe box. Chuck often referenced his grand entrance into the world as the reason he lived each day for the gift that is was, and he encouraged those around him to do the same.
Chuck was a graduate of Williston High School class of 1975. His classmates describe him as one of the “heartbeats of his class” for his integrity and generosity. Chuck attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During his time at UND, Chuck was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He attended many Fighting Sioux hockey games followed by trips to the Red Pepper. He honored this tradition, attending as many Sioux hockey games as he could over the years. Chuck went on to attend the University of Tulsa School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1983. While attending law school, Chuck was a member of Phi Delta Phi and the Tulsa Law Journal. He graduated from law school as one of the top ten students in his class and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers, a national honorary organization for individuals who excel in advocacy and service. Chuck was published in the Tulsa Law Review in 1983.
Chuck was admitted to the Bar in 1983 and began a long career working alongside his father, LaVern C. Neff, a founding partner at what is known today as Neff Law. Chuck often stated that his miraculous survival of early birth defined his purpose to help others in any way he could. He embraced his profession as an attorney wholeheartedly. He worked long hours, taking on seemingly impossible cases, and showing a soft spot toward all legal underdogs. And he was good at it. He became a skilled and sought after litigator. He once took on 27 New York City lawyers by himself, defending a young Native American boy whose image was used by a rock band, internationally, without permission. And he won!
Chuck’s service to his community went above and beyond the walls of the courtroom. He was a member of the Kiwanis from 1988 - 1999, and became an enrolled member of Moose Lodge #239 in Williston in 1999. During Chuck’s time in the Moose, he earned the distinction of both a member of the Moose Legion and a Fellow. Chuck was a past Governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose for the 2004-2005 year. In addition to official membership in civic organizations, Chuck was instrumental in setting up a program at Bethel Lutheran Home that allowed residents to have free ice cream. He spoke at Williston High School’s Law Day, sharing the “real story” behind many well-known cases. His leadership helped organize community-wide events, such as bringing boxer Virgil Hill and later several soap opera stars to town during Oktoberfest. He served on several community boards, including being legal counsel for the Alva J. Field Foundation for a number of years.
Chuck lived his personal life to the fullest as well. He and his wife Sherry loved to travel and do all of the sightseeing they could at each place. They took trips to New York City and Hawaii, with Walt Disney World in Orlando and Las Vegas among favorite destinations. Chuck could always be found enjoying the food and vendors at county fairs and festivals closer to home, with the Pride of Dakota Show, Hostfest, and Minnesota State Fair topping the list of favorites. He loved food, maybe because he was born so small. Not only was he a regular at the Court House Café throughout his professional life, he and Sherry operated “Chuck’s Wagon” BBQ food trucks for several years, serving hearty meals at reunions, banquets and other special occasions. He was chief cook and bottle washer for the famed Methodist Corn Beef and Cabbage dinner, made big batches of chokecherry jelly to give away, and cooked mega breakfasts for whoever was at the family cabins on the weekends. He had several huge pots he used to boil seafood and corn on the cob for the annual family “Crabfest” held every Christmas. He and Sherry often planned vacations around some of the restaurants they wanted to visit. One of his favorite memories was when he hosted his office staff and his kids for an evening of food and fun at the famous Delmonico’s in Las Vegas.
Chuck’s happy place was his cabin on Lake Sacajawea, where he always had a project under construction, meat on the grill, tomatoes in the garden and music playing loudly through the wide open doors of his gigantic garage. The shop at the lake became the hub for Chuck’s hobbies outside of cooking! He had a love and appreciation for classic cars and was a longtime member of Basin Kruzers Car Club. He loved to share the unique story behind each car. His car collection included a motorcycle that he took on a few trips to Sturgis.
Chuck was an expert in military history, especially in his knowledge of tanks. The collection of model tanks that he built over the years was profiled in several magazines. In true Chuck style, he took his love of tanks to the max and once owned a real tank that he drove in the Minot State Fair Parade. Chuck’s most recent project was restoring a 1952 Willys M38 United States Army Jeep with his son, Matt.
Chuck leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. His smile and his stories would brighten any room. He loved to talk to people and he loved to entertain. He loved to win at Scrabble and he loved his family. Chuck will be remembered for everything he brought to the lives of those who knew him, including advice, laughter, and plates BBQ brisket. Most notably, Chuck brought the joy.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Sherry Neff; four children, Kristine Neff, Tulsa, OK, Matthew (Sarah) Neff, Jenks, OK; Miranda Neff, Sand Springs, OK, Tara (Samuel) Erickstad, Williston, ND. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren, Kaia and Margaret Haigh of Bonner Springs, KS, Lucas and Jordan Sewell, Tulsa, OK, Penelope and Vance Neff, Jenks, OK; Lillie, Luca and Brixley Erickstad, of Williston, ND; as well as two sisters, Donna (Walt Jesteadt) Neff, Omaha, NE, and Barbara (David) Nash, Bismarck, ND.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, LaVern C and Juanita J Neff.
Red ID: FND_I_78897 Image ID: 518883 Image Notes: FND001 271407
