Neil Kenneth Wollpert

Neil K. Wollpert, 89, passed on to eternal life on December 3, 2022, comforted by his wife of 46 years, Marra (Powell) Wollpert, who was by his side. Neil was born on June 24, 1933 in Wickliffe, OH, the only child of the late William and Viola (Cramblet) Wollpert. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Leslie Wollpert, and is survived by his son, Bill Wollpert, daughter, Alyson Wollpert, stepchildren, Mark Balling and Emily (Tom) Sederstrand, and six grandchildren: Evelyn Wollpert, Charlotte, Josephine, Owen, A.J., and Nathan Sederstrand, plus his “adopted” granddaughter, Taja McCown.

Neil graduated from Mentor High School in 1951, where he excelled at playing trumpet. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1955 and then entered the United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command. Neil served as an active-duty navigator, earning the rank of Captain. Then followed several years in the Air Force Reserve, with his military service ending in 1963.

After many interstate moves, Neil made his home in Kettering, OH and flourished in his career as an insurance agent and financial planner through his business, Midwest Financial Consultants. He represented agencies such as Connecticut Mutual and Alexander Hamilton, and he wrote policies for many prestigious companies in the Dayton area, always working for his client’s best interests. He was sociable, classy, and kind to people from all walks of life.

Neil was an avid sportsman and enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, hunting, shooting, and fishing. He grew up riding horses, and his last time in the saddle was at the age of 81! As an amateur photographer, he captured breathtakingly beautiful images of subjects such as ornamental flowers, birds, the Amish community of Holmes County, OH, and even Masai tribesman in Kenya.

Neil and Marra were best friends who worked, played, and traveled throughout the world together. Their bungee jump from a 250 ft. bridge in New Zealand is family legend! They also shared a great love of animals, especially the rare American breed of sled dog, the Chinook. In 1981, they founded Singing Woods Chinooks and became one of three breeders in the country who saved the Chinook dog from extinction. For many years, they were active in dog obedience, agility, and sledding with their beloved Chinooks.

In his later years, Neil embraced a life of faith in Jesus Christ, and he and Marra were baptized in the Little Miami River by Pastor Paul Santoro. They were active members of Christ’s Church in Bellbrook, OH, where Neil’s life will be celebrated on Thursday December 29, 2022. Visiting hour begins at 10:30 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Neil’s honor may be made to Christ’s Church in Bellbrook, OH or the Greater Dayton Humane Society.