Neil Kolling, age 79 of Maryville, IL, died peacefully at home on July 3, 2024.

He was born on April 23, 1945 in Alton, IL.  He graduated in 1963 from Collinsville High School.  Neil was the "Chief Kahok" his junior and senior year.  He performed the Flaming Hoop Dance at several of his class reunions which delighted his classmates.  In 1973 he became an old-time white oak basket maker.  This craft has been in his wife's family for generations.  Linda's Uncle Earl taught him how to make white oak baskets.

He inherited his father's two-row button accordion in 1989 and he taught himself how to play it (upside down as he was left-handed).  He enjoyed playing old time music with his friends.

Neil worked at various jobs and retired in 2010 from TRG Manufacturing in St. Louis, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Anita (nee Schmidt) Kolling; his brother, Larry Kolling; sister-in-law, Lorraine (nee Hutson) Kolling; and brother-in-law, Bill Eaker.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda (nee Westfall) Kolling, whom he married February 11, 1968; his sister, Jean Eaker of Bunnlevel, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

He was dearly loved by his many friends and family.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville.

Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. Robert Ehlen officiating.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Maryville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.