Service Schedule

Graveside Service
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Riverview Cemetery in Savage, MT. Military honors will be presented by the VFW Post 4099 of Sidney, MT and representatives from the US Army Funeral Honors Team. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, MT is assisting the family.

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John Edward Billy Neckels
August 13, 1942 - July 18, 2026

Place of Birth: Killdeer, North Dakota
Residence: Midland, MI formerly of Savage, MT
Age: 83

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John Edward Billy Neckels passed away on July 18, 2026 in Midland, MI. He was born in Killdeer, ND on August 13, 1942 to Carl and Verna Neckels. He grew up in Sidney, Mt. Among other places, he lived in Dickinson, ND for over 20 years and in Scottsdale, AZ from 1986-2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Carolyn Grace Prigan-Neckels. He is survived by two sons, Paul and Nathan and one brother Howard.

He was a husband, father, athlete, soldier, entrepreneur, teacher, leader, provider, protector, and follower of Jesus. He was a hard worker who gave freely to those around him. He was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War from 1967-1969. He was a graduate of Dickinson State University and taught high school. John was the also editor of the local newspaper (Dickinson Press) and started several successful businesses. During his time in Arizona, he was well-known as a real estate school instructor and by one estimate he mentored over 1,000 real estate agents in Arizona.

He leaves behind a legacy for all those he taught as well as an example of what it means to be a strong, family man.

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Karolyn koppinger (Dickinson, Nd)
Jul 30, 2026

My thoughts and prayers.

Sandi Angel (Sidney, Montana)
Aug 3, 2026

I'm so sorry to hear that John passed away. I knew him from high school years and when he met Carolyn Prigan (my husband's cousin. The last time I visited with John was when he was in Savage, MT for Carolyn's funeral & service. Rest in peace John!!

Audra Garcia (Scottsdale, AZ)
Aug 9, 2026

I only met John a short time before he passed, but he left his mark. We spent hours sitting on his couches while he told us stories of his wife, his childhood, his life. We loved listening to him. He was a wonderful man that wore his heart on his sleeve. I’m so glad to have met him.

Dorothy Ferguson
Aug 13, 2026

From 1990 to 2017, John Neckels, his wife Carolyn Neckels, and I shared a work relationship that became so much more than just a job. We made memories, faced challenges, and celebrated milestones together. Looking back, I only wish this wasn't the last—and only—picture of us. It's a photo I'll always treasure.

Tracey Britton (Scottsdale, AZ)
Aug 13, 2026

John was one of my work buddies at American Family Ins. He was always so kind to me and my family. He would share his wisdom and knowledge. He came to see us just before he moved to MI. So glad he was with Nathan. He was so proud of his boys. My condolences to Paul, Nathan and the entire family. Prayers for peace and comfort to you all.

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