Neal J. McQuistan

Neal James McQuistan, 78, of Pender, NE, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Christ United Church of Pender in Pender, NE, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Christ United Church of Pender. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

A man who never met a stranger, Neal was known far and wide for his quick wit, booming laugh, and a deep love for his family. He was a steadfast friend, a proud father and grandfather, and a familiar face wherever he went.

Neal was born on November 19, 1946, in Wayne, NE, to Edward and Margaret (Hunt) McQuistan. He grew up on the farm northwest of Pender. Neal graduated from Pender High School in 1965 and went on to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and Physical Education in 1970. As a proud Cornhusker, Neal played on the Nebraska Football Team and was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity, where he made lifelong friendships and collected more than a few stories along the way.

On August 19, 1978, Neal married the love of his life, Georgia Reynolds, in Walthill, NE. Together, they had two sons, Timothy and Jonathan. After Georgia’s passing in 1987, Neal continued farming and raising his boys, teaching them the value of hard work, laughter, and loyalty.

Throughout his life, Neal embraced a variety of roles. In addition to farming with his brothers, Neal also served as a high school basketball referee and often stepped into classrooms as a substitute teacher. He brought characters to life on the Pender Community Playhouse stage and carried that same sense of joy and camaraderie into his work with the Abu Bekr Shriners and Corinthian Masonic Lodge. A proud Mason and Shriner, Neal was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it or share a laugh. Each summer, he looked forward to casting his line on his annual fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Canada, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate the rich traditions of his Scottish heritage.

Above all, Neal was proud of his family. He is survived by his sons: Tim (Ashley) McQuistan and their children Maxwell and Mitchell; Jon (Paige) McQuistan and their children Maverick, Georgia, and Jack all of Pender, NE. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Janyce McQuistan, Mary Kay (Don) Schenk, brother-in-law John Young, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Georgia; his siblings Larry McQuistan, Peggy Young, William “Bill” McQuistan, Kenny McQuistan; and brother-in-law Doug Reynolds.

To know Neal was to share in his laughter and partake in his playful shenanigans. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived but for the joy and mischief he brought to every moment.