Donald W. Neer

Donald “Don” W. Neer, 81, of Moline, Illinois, died peacefully Saturday, February 3, 2024.

 Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2024, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12^th Street, Moline. Memorials can be made to the Gathering of the QC. 

 Donald Wayne Neer was born on October 10, 1942, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Roy and Ada (Frank) Neer. Don graduated from Alwood High School in 1960 and joined the Army National Guard the same year. 

 Don worked at Farmall at night and barber school during the day. He really enjoyed working with his brother, Jerry, barbering side-by-side for many years. Don enjoyed biking, walking, weightlifting in his younger years, and found great happiness in mentoring kids. He was a youth paster for 7 years. He took many trips with his kids in the youth group. Don was a referee for basketball for many years with his partner and friend, Jim Nye. A classmate at a reunion challenged him to go to college and become a teacher. He started at St. Ambrose at the age of 40, graduating with honors at the age of 45. He taught for over 30 years in the Rock Island school system. Don retired in 2015 after 30 years of teaching, only to go into substituting. He once said, “I’m made to be around kids.” 

 Most important to Don was his faith. He loved sharing his testimony to anyone that needed it. Over the years he helped many students and others financially and spiritually. He took many mission trips to help others. Don never met a stranger. He was honest, caring, and down to earth. Along the way, he had hundreds of students that he kept in contact with. That was just the kind of guy he was. 

 Left to cherish him in memory, are his sons, Tom (Brenda) Neer and Tim Neer; the mother of his children, Phyllis Massarolo; his sisters, Ellen Lenz and Lois (Bob) Finley; and brothers, Chuck (Hellen) Lenz and Richard (Mary) Lenz. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ruby, Jerry, and Robert. 

 Don is at peace and with his Lord and Savior. 

 The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.