Neil David Windom

Neil Windom, age 77, left this earth on Tuesday, November 11, and passed into the heavenly arms of Jesus to be reunited with his parents Ed and Phyllis Windom and two brothers Gary and Harley.

Neil was born in Morris, Minnesota, on October 27, 1948. He was raised on the family farm in rural Donnelly along with his five siblings — Harley, Gary, Gayle, Ruth and Rita. He grew up like most farm kids working in the field, tending animals and enjoying the adventures of a big loving family with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. He attended school in Alberta and graduated in 1968 with the first consolidated class from Chokio-Alberta High School.

Neil attended Alexandria Technical School where he learned to be a welder. He worked for Superior Machines in Morris for many years where all who met him considered him a friend. In 1998 after the death of his parents, Neil moved to Boise, Idaho, to live near his sisters.

Neil was a simple man who enjoyed family and visiting with anyone. He loved county fairs, reading, watching sports and listening to music. In his younger years, he would travel for miles to see a good concert. Neil never married but was generous with gifts for his nieces. And after his nieces had children, his greatest joy was watching their children Collins, Vera, Imogen and Alden when they visited him at the plaza where he lived. Neil would smile and giggle as he watched them play and run down the long halls. Other residents would also enjoy the welcome commotion of the youngsters.

Neil lived the last 7 months of his life at The Cottages in Boise. The caring staff there loved Neil and he enjoyed being surrounded by people and activity. Even though he couldn’t remember what may have happened the day before, he always recognized his family when they entered the room. Neil enjoyed the weekly games of Scrabble with his sisters Gayle, Ruth and Rita. These mornings were filled with bottomless mugs of coffee, sweet rolls and lots of laughter.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Phyllis, and brothers Harley and Gary. He is survived by his sisters Gayle (Roy) Hines, Ruth Bartlett and Rita (Jim) Heuring all of Boise, ID. Nephews Weylin (Amanda) Windom of Powder Springs, GA; Brent Hines of Boise, ID; nieces Sherry (John) Rimbey of Montpelier, VA; Cara (Andy) Copeland of Newberg, OR; Marissa (Michael) Marvosh of Boise, ID; Erin (Tom Cruz) of Boise, ID; Angie (Alex Plew) of Meridian, ID; Alaina (Andy) Harrington of Meridian, ID; and many great nieces and nephews and cousins.

While his sisters, extended family and Cottage family will miss Neil, we are reminded that we do not grieve as others who have no hope. Our hope is in Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life in heaven. Neil came to know Jesus at a young age while attending the Church of the Nazarene in Alberta, Minnesota.

We sisters would like to thank the wonderful staff at The Cottages on Roe Street in Boise for taking such good care of Neil. A private memorial service will be held in Boise followed by a future celebration of life to be held in the spring 2026 in Morris, Minnesota, which will be Neil’s final resting place.