Michael Lee McNeese, 65, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, January 13, 2012, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born January 10, 1947, at Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of William and Catherine Vroegh McNeese. He served in the National Guard. Early on he worked at the Pothoven Gas Station. On December 2, 1967, he was united in marriage to Alice Saner at the Nazarene Church in Oskaloosa. In 1968 he went to work for Clow Valve in Oskaloosa, he retired from the foundry as a maintenance supervisor in 2010 after 42 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR, and gardening. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Oskaloosa. He delighted in spending time with his family.

His family includes his wife of over 44 years, Alice McNeese of Oskaloosa; two daughters and their husbands: Shelly and Tony Thomas of Oskaloosa and Sheila and Donny Behymer of Eddyville; four grandchildren: Steven, Tristan, Brandy, and Shay; and his brother and his wife: Larry and Carol Ann McNeese of Alaska.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his step father: Max Cox.

Graveside funeral service and burial will be Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with Reverend Lois Williams officiating. Military honors will be conducted by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. A procession will form at 10:10 Wednesday morning at the Bates Funeral Chapel for wishing to attend the graveside service. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday morning after 9:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6-8 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives.