Heaven has gained the perfect caretaker of the land, cows, flowers, birds, Shih Tzus and an excellent cook. Patricia (Pat) McNeely, 79 passed away July 11, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital Madison calmed by prayers and surrounded by family. Pat was born December 27, 1946, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin the oldest daughter of Duane “Buckwheat” Johnson and Annabelle (Smith) Johnson. She graduated from Big Foot High School in 1965. In 1963 at a Methodist Youth Fellowship gathering in Evansville, Patricia met Robert McNeely and they connected over their love of farming and strong work ethics. With big dreams and a few cows, they married at the Sharon United Methodist Church in Sharon, WI on August 26, 1965. Together they farmed “on shares” in Sharon and then cash rented a farm in Hebron, IL. It was while farming in Sharon that they were blessed with a bouncing baby boy, James Alan, to be followed in a few years by the apple of Bob’s eye, Brenda Kay. After years of working hard they found a farm of their own in the beautiful rolling hills of Green County, Wisconsin. They packed up the kids, the house, cows and machinery and on a February day in 1973 the last load of cows and the McNeely’s were firmly planted on the farm and land that could, and would, serve them for generations to come. They were blessed by setting down roots in the best neighborhood possible, filled with fellow farmers, children the same ages, wonderful cooks and lifelong friends. There were card clubs, potlucks, dances and putting many miles on their matching Polaris snowmobiles as members of the Brooklyn Sno-Hornets. Bob and Pat took pristine care of Rollin’ Green Dairy Farm and Pat passed on her ability to identify a cow by name or number from yards away to her grandson Jeffrey. She was honored to highlight the day-to-day operations of the farm to almost 4,800 people when the family hosted the Green County Breakfast on the Farm in 2017. Patricia was a member of the Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church, serving on the finance committee in the past. Patricia served on the Brooklyn Township Plan Commission from March 8, 1993, until the time of her death, a position she was very passionate about, preserving the farmland of Brooklyn Township. Pat was not one to be indoors and her beautiful yard full of flowers was the envy of many. Her grandchildren lovingly called it “Grandma’s mini-golf course” and she would smile and add another decorated bowling ball to the collection. She enjoyed feeding and watching the birds (especially cardinals) from her desk on the porch as she took care of the farm bookwork. Larger, unwelcome critters dared not plan on staying long, it became a game for her to move them along, and a game she always won. In 2009 employee Annie mentioned to “Grandma Pat” during chores that she wanted breakfast and Thursday morning egg sandwiches became tradition at Rollin’ Green Dairy Farm. Family, employees, the milkman and neighbors have long enjoyed Grandma’s breakfast in the barn or parlor. Rest easy Great-Grandma, Maysen promises to keep everyone fed and happy! An advertisement for a toy tractor shows created years of enjoyment hunting for and collecting toy tractors for Bob and Pat. Similar to the tractors they farmed with, they did not discriminate so every brand and color had a place on the shelves. A 1954 Allis Chalmers WD-45 started another, bit more expensive hobby, finding and helping restore “the real thing”. One of the first tractors Bob and Patpurchased when they started farming, a 1969 John Deere 4020, had been used every day mixing feed for the cows until 2023 when “she” was restored and delivered just in time for the50th Anniversary picnic of Rollin’ Green Dairy Farm. Pat had the honor of being the first family member to drive the tractor to the shed after the picnic. For over 30 years Bob and Pat enjoyed camping at Duck Creek Campground in Wyocena. The camper was Pat’s happy place, and she took her love of flowers and birds just a bit north, making their site as beautiful as her home. Brenda and Abel and Grandson Cody decided to join her with sites at the campground. Pat continued her weekend journey to the campgroundafter Bob’s passing as she had many, many friends there and she enjoyed the activities as much as she enjoyed the peaceful setting. Her beloved Shih Tzus Bandit and Bodie travelledwherever she went. They were her protectors and loving companions. Pat had many special friends and enjoyed their lunch dates, giving rides to appointments and the many laughs they shared. Patricia is survived by her son James (Jennifer), and daughter Brenda (Abel) Schultz. Grandchildren Jeffrey (Nicole) McNeely, Jamison (Amanda) McNeely, Jillian (Christopher) Malkow, Kevin Schultz and Cody Schultz. Great grandchildren Adalyn, Chet, Maysen and Charles McNeely and Carson Malkow. Pat is further survived by sisters, Peggy (Bob) Kirkpatrick and Diane (Charles) Pearce. Sister in-law Holly McNeely and brother’s in-law Loren Sprenkle and Bud Cavins, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She also leaves behind her “boys” Bandit and Bodie. Pat is predeceased by her husband Robert McNeely, parents, Duane “Buckwheat” and Annie Johnson, father in-law and mother in-law Chester and Ilene McNeely, a sister Pauline Cavins, brothers in-law Duane Leseberg, Ralph McNeely and David McNeely, and sisters in law Mary (Larry Sr.) Otto and Linda Sprenkle, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and her cherished shih tzus Fritzie, Britches, Holly and Bubba.
Lord, bless the farm wives
who hold their homes and
families together. Grant them
strength through long seasons,
patience when worries mount
and the wisdom to know when
to rest. Protect their marriages,
their children and their farmers
from harm. Thank you for the
vital foundation they provide to
agriculture.
Amen.
A private family service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 6, 2026,
from 4-8pm at Halverson’s Everything Nice, 1965 Barber Drive, Stoughton, WI 53589.
Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home,
Evansville is assisting the family.
For online condolences please
visit www.wardhurtley.com
