Neal E. Prodzinski

obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Neal E.
Prodzinski

VISITATION & FUNERAL SERVICE

Thursday, January 8, 2026
at
Heritage Funeral Home
9200 S. 27th Street – Oak Creek

 

Visitation: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Funeral Service followed by Military Honors: 2:00 PM

 

Private Burial: Forest Hill Memorial Park

 

Neal E. Prodzinski

Age 77, passed away peacefully with his family at home on December 27, 2025. Neal was born in Cudahy, WI on February 14, 1948, a valentine baby to Edward and Eileen Prodzinski and his older sister Lynn.

Neal graduated from South Milwaukee High School and was passionate about three things: girls, cars, and shenanigans-some traits that stayed with him throughout his life and endeared him to many.

In 1968, Neal met the love of his life, Marie, at a party in Cudahy. That same year on March 25th, Neal proudly enlisted in the United Stated Army. He served with Honor in the Vietnam war as a member of the 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Division and distinguished himself through acts of valor and heroism in combat. Neal was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, a Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was honorably discharged on March 24th, 1970.

Neal came home to South Milwaukee to his position at Kyle Products Plant, later known as Cooper Industries, where he worked for over 45 years.

Neal and Marie were married on December 5th, 1970, at St Bruno’s Church in Nadeau, Michigan. That started a 55+ year marriage that included the birth of 2 children Dawn and Dean.

A Natural “Mr. Fix it”, Neal was always willing to lend a hand. He proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 15 years in South Milwaukee and was honored as Fireman of the Year in 1977 for his efforts to save a 2-year-old from choking.

Neal’s pride and joy was his cherished 1955 Chevy Bel Air two-door hardtop, finished in Shoreline Beige and Gypsy Red (otherwise known as “Orange” by his daughter)-a true reflection of his lifelong love of cars.

Neal was the loving husband and best friend of Marie for 55+ years; the beloved father of Dawn (Brad) Stanislawski and Dean (Tina) Prodzinski; the cherished grandfather of Emily (Jacob Schoff) Stanislawski, Bailey Prodzinski, and Landon Prodzinski; the dear brother of Lynn (Daniel) Kazmierski; the fond nephew of Sophie Gnacinski; Uncle of Jodi (Lee) Strasser and the late Jill (Kent) Smith; the brother-in-law of Stephan Mouford; and the special cousin Doug Callies. Neal will also be lovingly remembered by his best friend Gary (Tina) Dorgay, his dearest friend Noel (Lisa) Phillip, and his beloved Round Robin Gang—Cheryl and Frank Baranek, Gregg and Kathy Herzog, and Carrie and Gary Kitzke—as well as many other dear friends. Neal was devoted to his four-legged companions Miles, Cooper, and Moose, and was joyfully reunited in heaven with his buddies Dudley, Rosco, and Bronco with treats in hand.

Neal will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family, friends, country, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and unforgettable stories that will be cherished always.

9 Comments

  1. Kathy Anderla Hurning January 1, 2026 at 11:52 am - Reply

    So sorry for your loss. Neal was a great guy and I’ll
    always remember how well he and my husband Bob got along from the first class reunion when they met. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

  2. Noel & Lisa Philip January 1, 2026 at 12:58 pm - Reply

    Attachment

    Thank you Neal and Marie for all the years of joy. We [Lisa and I] really appreciate your friendship. Enclosed is a picture of the one and only [Dudley] Neal’s devoted treat recipient friend.

  3. nina trapp Greg Trapp January 2, 2026 at 10:16 am - Reply

    I’m heartbroken by this news. I’m so sorry for your loss. Neal was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed.

  4. Gary DORGAY January 3, 2026 at 9:34 am - Reply

    Marie, Dawn and Dean..Twelv years old when Neal and I became friends…64 years!!…So glad our families stayed close over the years..So many great times…You have and will continue to
    be the most important family to the Dorgays!…And Neal will always be my first Veteran HERO!i.

  5. Todd Hoffmann January 4, 2026 at 4:24 pm - Reply

    I’m so sorry for the loss of Mr. Prodzinski. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  6. Jerry and Sarah Leanna January 5, 2026 at 8:54 pm - Reply

    So sorry for your loss. Neal will be missed as a neighbor. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

  7. Scott Pfeffer January 6, 2026 at 8:49 am - Reply

    Thoughts & Prayers with you all. Enjoyed working & all the visits with you guys when he retired. Godspeed My friend

  8. Scott Massey January 10, 2026 at 10:58 pm - Reply

    I always loved hanging out w Neal at work. He was a great boss. We both loves cars and loved seeing him at all the car shows. It was nice seeing you over retirement and having a beer together. Will miss ya buddy!

  9. Karen Miles January 12, 2026 at 9:46 am - Reply

    My sincere condolences to Marie and family. May you find peace in your memories. My late husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Marie and Neal on a Panama Canal cruise and I will never forget the brief time we spent together.

Leave a condolence or share a memory

Go to Top