NEW GLARUS - The New Glarus Fire Department is a close-knit group of 36 firefighters that is mourning the loss of one of its own.
A motorcycle accident Sunday in La Crosse claimed the life of Shannon M. Nealis, 41. Nealis had been with the fire department for almost 10 years, Chief Dave Anderson said.
Nealis' death came as a shock to Anderson and to the department. Anderson, speaking to the Times on Tuesday morning, found it difficult to talk about Nealis. His death, Anderson said, "hit the department hard."
"He was a great guy," Anderson said. "I don't think he had any enemies."
Anderson said all of the department's firefighters will serve as honorary pall bearers at Nealis' funeral.
Nealis was pronounced dead at about 11 a.m. Sunday at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. According to the La Crosse Tribune, Nealis was southbound at about 10 a.m. in the 2000 block of Wisconsin 53 on the north side of La Crosse when he lost control of his motorcycle and the motorcycle left the road.
Nealis is survived by his wife, Sally, and children Taylor and Alexandra.
Nealis also was active in the Wilhelm Tell Guild and the Wisconsin Association of Health Underwriters. He previously worked for the human services departments in Green and Lafayette counties. He was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He also coached basketball and soccer and enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Thursday at the Swiss United Church of Christ.
A motorcycle accident Sunday in La Crosse claimed the life of Shannon M. Nealis, 41. Nealis had been with the fire department for almost 10 years, Chief Dave Anderson said.
Nealis' death came as a shock to Anderson and to the department. Anderson, speaking to the Times on Tuesday morning, found it difficult to talk about Nealis. His death, Anderson said, "hit the department hard."
"He was a great guy," Anderson said. "I don't think he had any enemies."
Anderson said all of the department's firefighters will serve as honorary pall bearers at Nealis' funeral.
Nealis was pronounced dead at about 11 a.m. Sunday at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. According to the La Crosse Tribune, Nealis was southbound at about 10 a.m. in the 2000 block of Wisconsin 53 on the north side of La Crosse when he lost control of his motorcycle and the motorcycle left the road.
Nealis is survived by his wife, Sally, and children Taylor and Alexandra.
Nealis also was active in the Wilhelm Tell Guild and the Wisconsin Association of Health Underwriters. He previously worked for the human services departments in Green and Lafayette counties. He was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He also coached basketball and soccer and enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Thursday at the Swiss United Church of Christ.