Neal L. "Butch" Zobrist

Neal L. "Butch" Zobrist, age 79 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, July 22, 2021, at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, IL. He was born on Wednesday, August 20, 1941, in Highland, IL, the son of Edward and Elvera (nee Dresch) Zobrist. On Saturday, December 03, 1960, he married Patricia S. Zobrist nee Ginther at E & R Church - Highland, IL, who survives. He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ. and Highland Moose Lodge 2479-Highland ("Not To Jump In Line"). Born and raised east of Highland, IL; graduated from Highland High School in 1959. He serve with the Army Reserves from 1959 to1963. His father started a trucking company in 1916 and Neal took it over and changed the name to Neal L. Zobrist, Inc. in 1966. In 1973 he started and operated a bus company until 2007, it operated a school bus service for local schools with over 15 vehicles and three charter buses that chartered bus trips all over the USA and Canada. He sold the company to his son in 2014, and Neal continued driving up until he passed away. He also was a grain and livestock farmer, farming east of Highland, where he lived and ran the truck and bus companies. He truly enjoyed every aspect of his bus and trucking businesses. He appreciated all the people who worked for him, and the friends he met throughout the years. He enjoyed spending time with friends, his Friday and Saturday night dinner/card groups, bowling, playing cards, casinos, and growing corn. In his eyes watching corn grow is a beautiful thing ! He especially loved spending time with his wife, Pat, of 60 years, children, and seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. Survivors include: Wife - Patricia S. "Pat" Zobrist, nee Ginther, Highland, IL Daughter - Tami L. (Rick) Duft, Highland, IL Son - Michael N. (Theresa) Zobrist, Highland, IL Grandchild - Brittne' D. (Fiance-Jared M. Williams) Zobrist, Saint Charles, MO Grandchild - Shane M. (Zoey) Zobrist , Highland, IL Grandchild - Jordan E. (Husband-Juan Pablo Vidal Garcia) Duft, Charlotte, NC Grandchild - Collin S. (Kelsey) Duft, Prairie Village , KS Grandchild - Evan P. Duft, Chicago, IL Great Grandchild - Atticus R. Williams (Twin), Saint Charles, MO Great Grandchild - Orion C. Williams (Twin) , Saint Charles, MO Great Grandchild - Micah N. Williams, Saint Charles, MO Great Grandchild - Samuel S. Zobrist, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Elanor J. Zobrist, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Melrose J. Duft, Prairie Village, KS Great Grandchild - Beckett S. Duft, Prairie Village, KS Sister - Shirley A. Sackett, Highland, IL Sister - Bernice (Larry) Fricke, Highland, IL Brother - Ron C. (Friend-Mike) Zobrist, Highland, IL Sister In-Law - Dolores G. Zobrist, Highland, IL Sister In-Law - Karen A. Ginther, Highland, IL Nieces and Nephews - Many. He was preceded in death by: Father - Edward Charles Zobrist - Died 2/10/1967 Mother - Elvera Ella Zobrist, nee Dresch - Died 2/17/1985 Sister - Marian E. Riegel - Died 5/27/2001 Brother - Maynard E. "Bud" Zobrist - Died 1/17/1975 Sister - Linette L. Becker - Died 1/23/1980 Sister - Lorna V. Reinacher - Died 3/6/2014 Mother & Father In-Law - Mildred "Mid" (Died 7/18/2009) and Delmar Ginther (Died 9/16/1973) Brother In-Law - Howard Riegel - Died 3/9/1977 Brother In-Law - Elmer Reinacher - Died 2/27/2001 Brother In-Law - Don Ginther - Died 3/19/2004 Brother In-Law - Cleo Becker - Died 7/1/1970 Brother In-Law - James Coleman - Died 8/31/2006 Sister In-Law - Diane Zobrist - Died 10/16/1990 . Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, July 26, 2021, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL, with Rev. Todd Bean, Transitional Minister, Evangelical United Church of Christ, officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Home or Leaps of Love.

Neal L. "Butch" Zobrist

August 20, 1941 - July 22, 2021