Neil A. Hays, 85, of Rock Island, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm (noon) to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Avenue, Milan. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery following the visitation on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in Neil's memory.

Neil was born on November 1, 1939, in Rock Island, a son of Otto and Rose (Talik) Hays. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton. Neil married Mary Ann Dunn on July 4, 1963. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2023. He worked as a pipefitter at Williams-White & Company for 30 years, retiring in 2002. He was an avid fisherman. Neil enjoyed being outdoors and walking. He also liked watching action movies and John Wayne movies. Above all, Neil cherished the time spent with his family.

Neil is survived by his children, Terence (Kathleen) Hays, New York, and Lynn (Kevin) Shanahan, Iowa; grandchildren, Phoenix Beard, Courtney Hays, and Eleanor Shanahan; and sister, Nancy (Lyle) Lingafelter. Neil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ann; and sister, Judy Holuba.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.