Frank M. Neagle

Frank M. Neagle, age 60 of Vernon Center, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at UW Health University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 12:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. at Woodland Hills Funeral Home in Mankato, with a prayer service at 2:15 P.M. followed by military honors. Interment will be in the Lake Crystal Cemetery. Following the interment all are invited to the Eagle Lake American Legion for a time of lunch and fellowship. Arrangements by Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato. www.woodlandhillsfh.com

Frank Millard Neagle was born May 27, 1963, in Storm Lake Iowa, the youngest of three children born to Melvin G. Neagle and Donnabelle (Mc Chesney) Neagle.   He was raised the first 13 years of his life in Nemaha, Iowa. Then his family moved to Early, Iowa.  At the age of 14 he started working for the City of Early, until 1989. After graduating high school in 1981 he enlisted in the Army National Guard and was later Medically Discharged at the Rank of Sergeant for injuries sustained in the line of duty in 1988.  Also, in this time period Frank was married for the first time, and out of this marriage he was blessed with 2 children Son Christopher and Daughter Donna.  The union ended also in 1989.

In 1990 Frank went to work for American Meat Protein Incorporated (AMPI) in Lynton, Iowa as the Evaporator and Drier Operator.  He was employed there for 4 years. Frank married his second wife in 1990 and of this union there he was blessed with 3 children 2 girls and 1 boy (Alice, Elizabeth, and Brooks).  This marriage also ended in 2001.

After leaving AMPI for medical reasons, Frank went back to further his education.  Being a friend of “Bill W.” since 1989 it was only fitting, he majored in Chemical Dependency Counseling (CDC).  He attended Mankato State University and received his degree in CDC. In 1996 Frank started working at the Detox Center in New Ulm, Minnesota.  Then in 1997 he was hired at the House of Hope in Mankato, Minnesota. Then in 1999 he was promoted to Program Manager. In 2003 he took the position as Director of Behavioral Services on the Lower Sioux Reservation in Morten, Minnesota.  One of the things Frank was most proud of doing while on the Lower Sioux was writing a grant to start up one of the first Native American in-patient Chemical Dependency Treatment Centers on a Reservation.  His employment lasted on the Lower Sioux until 2007, at which time complications from his service-connected injuries prevented him to continue to work.

In 2004 Frank married for a third time. On January 4, 2004 he was united in marriage to Laura Mae Kaupa who was raising three daughters Kayla, Krista and Kendra.  In 2011 Frank and Laura bought a hobby farm outside of Madelia, Minnesota and raised chickens, pigs, and (day old) jersey steers. Frank enjoyed taking care of the little farm and animals until his health wouldn’t let him anymore.  In May 2021 they moved to Vernon Center, Minnesota where Frank took up the hobby of sewing patches on leather and making embroidery patches. Frank and Laurie, throughout their time together, shared the love of seeing this great county on their Harley Davidson, even though the last few years they took it in their toy hauler but still averaged 5,500 miles a year.  Frank also loved the great outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping.  He especially loved spending time with family and seeing his grandchildren. Frank was a member of Mission 22, Ambassador, Mankato Eagles Club Aerie 269, River Valley Chapter A.B.A.T.E of Minnesota, Lifetime member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), and was an American Legion member in many area communities.

Frank, I think, would like to be most remembered for his Respect of others and Commitment to friends and family.  His word was good as gold. He enjoyed being with his biker family, for he knew who he could trust and had his back. Frank would say it’s easy to talk the talk but watch them fall when they try to walk the walk.

Frank is survived by his wife Laurie Neagle, son Christopher & Josie Neagle, daughter Donna & Rick Johnson, daughter Kayla Kaupa, daughter Krista & Darrell Hogg, daughter Alice & Dean Viland, son Brooks & Haley Neagle, daughter Kendra Kaupa & Jordan, and daughter Elizabeth & Skyler, 9 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his motorcycle family.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Donnabelle in 1986, Brother Melvin Jr. (Butch), Father Melvin G. and Sister Cheryl 2012. Sister in-law Deana in 2016, Nephew Travis in 2018, and Brother in-law Kenneth in 2021.

Pallbearers: Anthony Crandell, Dan Falk, Dan May, Wyman Forbrook, Jeff Milbrett, Daniel Larson (Swamp).

Honorary Pallbearers: Pat Mc Venes, Jarrett Milbrett, Luke Johnson, Phil Adams.