MICHAEL NEER Michael "Iron Mike' Neer passed away peacefully on Monday, November 7th. Mike was born on October 19th, 1951 in White Fish, MT. and was the younger of two boys born to Leo and Helen Neer. The family moved to Kenne-wick in the mid 1960's where he lived the rest of his days. He was a 1970 graduate of Kenne-wick High School. He married Diane Keller after graduation and soon after had two sons. After high school graduation, Mike joined the local Iron Workers Union and became a vested journeyman ironworker. He retired in 1983, as he was declared legally blind due to macular degeneration. He then became a stay at home dad following retirement and filled his days supporting his boy's school activities and outdoor adventures. He enjoyed hunting in the Blue Mountains and Alaska and fishing in any river, stream and lake that had fish. He was a friend and storyteller to all, would call a spade a spade, and never turned down a bad idea. You may have read about him in the paper when he dove off the Blue Bridge or sunk a boat below McNary Dam. Maybe you met him at a local bakery over coffee or a local downtown bar two steppin to some live country music. Mike was a legend and rule-breaker. Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Mike's life in their own way; raising a glass of their favorite drink in his memory would be quite appropriate. He was a devoted father and grandpa. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. Mike is survived by his sons, Jason Neer and his wife Megan, Aaron Neer and his wife Jenn, four grandchildren, Alexis, Cooper, Jake and Amos, brother Gordon Neer and his wife Sheila, other cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Helen Neer and grandson Sutton Neer. The family is especially grateful to all of the caregivers who have helped Mike in the last years of his life. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls Funeral Home located on 314 W 1st Ave in Kennewick. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his family's toy drive in honor of his grandson Sutton at https://www.youcaring.com/ 2016laughterthroughtears. Because Iron Mike always enjoyed a good party, we are inviting all of you to join the family at The Branding Iron Tavern in downtown Kennewick to tell stories and celebrate the life of a legend.