June R. Neier

June Rosamund Neier, 93, of Highland, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025. A strong, independent, and deeply devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, June – fondly known as “Nanny” – leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories. June was born on May 29, 1931, in Hillingdon, Middlesex, England, to Edwin John and Winifred Grace Tamplin. In 1956, she met the love of her life, Duane Reinhart Neier, while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force at Denham Air Force Base. She moved to the United States in 1957 to marry Duane, and together they built a life in his hometown of Highland, Illinois. Their marriage spanned over 40 years until Duane’s passing in 1997. June is survived by her daughters, Susan Frey, Sandy (Arthur) FitzGibbon, and Sharon Hartmann; her grandchildren, Kristina (JR) Maxfield, Kathryn (Billy) Stiegemeier, Meredith (Miles) Hamilton, Jennifer (Max McKaig) FitzGibbon, Melissa Hartmann, and Matthew Hartmann; and her great-grandchildren, Eliza and Maverick Maxfield, and Aiden and Blair Stiegemeier. Before moving to the U.S., June worked as a dental nurse in England and spent two years as an au pair for a British family in Washington, D.C. She built a rich and fulfilling life, centered around family and the interests she held dear. June had a deep love for music, taking both piano and singing lessons. She was a competitive bowler and an enthusiastic bridge player, enjoying the strategy and camaraderie the game brought. She continued playing bridge all the way to her passing. An avid reader, she especially loved mystery novels. She was also a gifted baker, and her recipes brought comfort to her family and friends. Her talent for quilting resulted in beautiful quilts for her family and baby quilts for her great-grandchildren that will be treasured for generations. Dedicated to her community, June was actively involved in several organizations throughout her life. She held leadership roles, including President of the Highland Women’s Bowling League and President of the Highland Women’s Club. The third eldest of thirteen siblings, June remained close to her brothers, sisters and extended family throughout her life. She enjoyed her time with all of her siblings. Surviving siblings include: Sylvia Webb, Margaret Felton, Shirley Thurston, David Tamplin, Roger (Heather) Tamplin, and Wendy Munn. She was preceded in death by the following siblings and in-laws: Joan (Thomas) Browning, Stanley (Patricia) Tamplin, Edna Schramek, Arthur (Pauline) Tamplin, John Tamplin, Peter Tamplin, and brothers in-law Geoff Webb, Geoff Felton, and Terry Thurston. June’s strength, sharp mind, and deep love for those around her left a lasting impact on all who knew her. While she will be greatly missed, her spirit lives on in the family she held so dearly. A celebration of life will be held in her honor on February 8, 2025, at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, Illinois with a visitation at 10:00 am and a celebration of life at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, Illinois or a charity of your choice in June’s memory.

June R. Neier

May 29, 1931 - February 1, 2025