Neil S. Liljander

Neil S. Liljander, age 86, of Eau Claire, WI passed away peacefully of heart failure at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital on November 6, 2023. Neil grew up in Superior, WI. He attended Superior Central High School. After graduation, he learned the welding craft at the Frasier Nelson Shipyard.

Neil and Barb moved to Seattle, WA in 1961 where he worked at Boeing as a jig builder. Shortly thereafter, he worked for Lockheed Shipbuilding rapidly advancing up the line from welder to steel superintendent. His work involved the LPD-12 Shreveport, and the government experimental hydrofoil.

Changes in the industry, and a family of brothers at State Farm Insurance, brought Neil to Wisconsin to start a successful insurance agency in Eau Claire in 1969 until he retired in 2003. Many of his clients became personal friends. Neil loved woodworking, boating on the Mississippi, Bayfield, Lake Superior, fishing, and golfing. He always said he was not a good golfer, but had lots of laughs with his golfing buddies. Upon retirement, Neil and Barb enjoyed 10 wonderful years, wintering six months each year in Mercedes, TX. All who knew him enjoyed his special milkshakes!

Neil has served Masonry over 60 years, beginning in Superior, WI.  He is a member of the George B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351 of Eau Claire as well as a plural member of Bloomer Lodge. He was a very active Mason, becoming a Master of his lodge in 1990.

He also served eight years in the Eau Claire Police Department as a reserve.

Neil is survived by the true love of his life, Barbara of 66 years, sons, Bryan (Jean) and Perry (Heidi); daughter, Brenda (Phil) Gorney, Denyne (Jim) Carey; eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Howard, Lee, and Donald.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in Neil's name to:

Shriners Children's Twin Cities, 215 Radio Dr. Ste.100, Woodbury, MN 55125

A visitation will take place at Hulke Family Funeral Home on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 11 AM-1 PM.  A memorial service at Hulke Family Funeral Home will conclude the visitation at 1 PM. Pastor Kurt Mattison will officiate.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.