Florence-Neil B. Tuchalski, 77, of Florence, Wis., passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 23, 2016 at Community Memorial Hospital, Redfield, South Dakota while pheasant hunting with his grandson, Drake.

He was born September 11, 1939 in Rhinelander, Wisc., son of the late Benjamin and Petronella (Van Harpen) Tuchalski. Neil grew up and graduated high school in Rhinelander, Wisc. He went on to serve in the United States Army for two years and immediately following served in the Unites States Coast Guard for four years. Neil married Arvilla Holmes-Hixon on September 3, 1971 in Rhinelander. They resided in Florence, Wisc.

He worked as a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper from 1969 until he retired in 1989. In 1989 he along with his wife, built, owned and operated Bonnie View Lounge and Restaurant until they sold and retired in 1997
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Neil was a member of the Hiram D Fisher Masonic Lodge #222 of Florence since 1973. He served as Worshipful Master for five years. Neil was also a member of the North American Fishing Club, American Legion Myers-Youngell Post #211, Florence, Wisc. and lifelong member of the National Wildlife Association and the NRA. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and holds the State of Michigan record for the largest inland whitefish caught in 2014.

Survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Arvilla; two sons, James (Deborah Johnson) Hixon and Tom (Kim) Tuchalski, all of Florence; two daughters, Lori (Marty) Moore and Lisa (Greg) Novak, all of Florence; one sister, Lynn (Herman) Kielhold, Florida; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Rex, Mardee (Jacob), Jimmer, Riley, Drake, Braiden and Saylor; one great-granddaughter, Gracee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Stephen.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 12:00 pm. Until 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Florence. A masonic memorial service will be held Saturday, 1:45 p.m. at the church. The VFW Post #3635 of Florence will accord military honors Saturday following the Masonic Service. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, 2:00 p.m. at the church. Son-in-law, Greg Novak, will celebrate. A lunch will follow at The Northern Lights Bar and Grill on Hwy 70 at Keyes Lake.

Memorials can be made to K.A.M.O. Youth Hunt & Fish in his memory.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Neil or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, to honor Neil’s legacy of life.