Kenneth (Ken) Dwayne McNeil was born in Blackfoot, Idaho on October 21,1957 to Dwayne McNeil and Jackie Malm. Growing up in Blackfoot, he attended elementary school before relocating to Springfield, where he worked alongside his siblings on the family dairy farm. His days were filled with milking cows, cutting and baling hay, and tending to equipment.
Upon graduation, Ken embarked on a new chapter by joining the United States Air Force, inspired by his favorite uncle, Bud. With the hopes of going overseas to “see the world”, Ken was stationed in Minot, ND for the next 4 years as a Minute Man Missile System Analyst Specialist. He said that was “kind of like being overseas” and “cold”. His subsequent move to Helena, MT, marked the beginning of a distinguished career in construction. It was also where he welcomed his first daughter, Lynn, into the world in 1988, a daughter that he always cherished.
Known as a master craftsman, Ken’s dedication transcended mere carpentry; he was an artist, sculpting homes and commercial buildings with precision and care. He would rarely use the word “perfect” on a jobsite, even though that is what he strived for. Ken would often refer to himself as a “jack of all trades and master of none”, though we know Ken became a master of everything he set his mind to. Some of his best work included the homes that he built around Helena with his wife Catherine in charge of the designing. He would always say to her, “You pick out the colors and I’ll put it together for you.” Ken was also very proud of his work on building and remodeling many of the commercial buildings in Helena. Driving around western Montana there is a 100% chance Ken would say something like, “Joe and I did the ceilings in that place” or “Your Grampa and I did all the steel studs in that place” with a big grin on his face.
While his kids, Logan and Valerie, were growing up in the 4-H program in Helena, Ken utilized his expertise to help out where he could. From designing and building a wash rack for the livestock program that will last for years, to teaching a group of kindergarteners practical skills while building birdhouses, and many other projects, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t help build. He spent countless hours with Logan and Valerie and their 4-H projects. Using the knowledge and experience with farming and ranching he helped them design a specific feed program for growing their steers and training the dogs. Even though he “never wanted the dogs” he called Toby his “Good for Anything” dog. He was always there to support his children’s efforts no matter what they decided to do. There are boxes and boxes of pictures where it’s clear he was the one behind the lens documenting their progress.
Soft spoken and a man of few words, Ken said more with the look in his eyes than spoken words. Though most of his days were spent working, Ken had much more to him than that. He loved quoting his favorite quirky cartoons and he loved making people laugh with quick and witty comments. If he found that he didn’t know how to do something he would spend hours watching YouTube videos until he had it down to a science. He loved black coffee, which he would keep in his green thermos and mug. Coffee time was at 10 and 2:30 every day, and as much as he hated breaking up a good routine, his internal clock wouldn’t let him miss a coffee break. He was a hobby farmer and a builder of character. He did everything in his power to instill values in his children to create the best people that he could. He led by example, and he led quietly.
Every person who worked with him on a job always loved following behind him and talked about how anything Ken had his hands on was level and square to the perfect degree. Whether it was his trim work, concrete work, or anything in between you knew it was going to be done to the highest quality. You can ask anyone he worked with and they would tell you that he made everything so much easier for them.
Ken’s final project was the paver entryway for the home he was building for Catherine. Ken passed as he began laying the bricks on his perfectly graded sand base. Logan finished placing the bricks for the beautiful paver entryway for his dad. The detail and care that Ken put into the prep work for his final project enabled Logan to lay the bricks in lines so straight that someone even as meticulous as Ken would say “Perfect!”
He embodied action over words. He was gentle, kind, and selfless, all while being incredibly strong. He was an amazing husband, father, and friend, and selflessly gave his all to the people he loved. He will be remembered for his smile, his genuine expression, and his hard work.
He will be remembered, loved, and missed dearly.
Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents Rollen and Eleanor Malm and LaVaun Hunter. He is survived by his father, Dwayne McNeil – Helena, MT; his mother, Jackie Malm – Blackfoot, ID; loving wife, Catherine McNeil – Helena; son, Logan McNeil – Helena; daughters, Lynn McNeil (Joe Morley) – Sun Prairie, WI; Valerie McNeil – Boise, ID; sister, Wendy (Kent) Shelman – Idaho Falls, ID; brothers Tom McNeil – Springfield, ID; George Wayne Twitchell – Blackfoot, ID; John Toccafondo (Lissa Huntington) – Helena, MT; Paul (Liz) Toccafondo – Gilbert, AZ; Ron (RJ) (Heather) – Helena, MT; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the St. Paul’s Methodist Church on May 4th, 2024. The church will open at 10:00 to greet the family and the service will begin at 11:00. A reception with food and drinks will be held in the lower level of the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ken McNeil Trade School Scholarship Fund with the hopes of supporting the craft that Ken loved so much. Checks may be mailed to the family at 3565 Bradley Way, Helena, MT, 59602 or Valley Bank at 321 Fuller Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Checks may be made out to “Ken McNeil Scholarship Fund.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Saturday May 4, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 4, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Saturday May 4, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 4, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
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Tolly Joan Patten says
My heart is breaking for you Catherine. Prayers to all of you.
Paula Clinch says
Catherine I am heartbroken to hear of your husband’s passing. Ryan and I are in Europe and will miss the funeral services. Please know we are thinking and praying for all of you. We love you! I will contact you when I am back in town.
Paul Toccafondo says
Ken was a great man and will be missed. I could write more but there is no need as this nails it. ❤️
Marty Thieltges says
Members and friends of St. Paul’s UMC will always be grateful for the hours Ken put in with his dad working on our new St. Paul’s building.
Mcniel says
Good man
Vicki C. Weida says
Catherine, Logan and Valerie, You are the immediate family I have met. Dwayne is like a brother to John and me. We have known the pride of Dwayne for Ken’s work and for being included in some of the building in the valley. Dwayne was so proud of Ken’s work that he would take us to see the newly finished homes, the garden at Ken and Catherine’s house and the house Ken was building for Catherine. Doing all that we felt we knew Ken a bit. Our biggest appreciation for Ken’s work was the help he gave Dwayne and all of us in the congregation on the job of finishing the new church for St. Paul’s. We will always know his name is included with Dwayne’s on the finish work of the building. We will send a donation in his memory to the St. Paul’s Building Maintenance Fund. We have great admiration for all the members of the McNeil (an other names) family. Good people, hard workers, fine values. The world is lucky to have all of you. Vicki and John Weida
Norm and Flora Walker says
Valerie and family
So sorry to hear about your Dad. My (Flora) Dad died from a sudden heart attack at age 64 so I have some inkling of how devastating such a loss is. He was moving some equipment around and was a strong Scotsman (who built barns)so maybe that was a factor. We send our love and sympathy.
Troy draper says
So sorry to hear about your dad . Prayers for your family
Elly Driggers says
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s death, Valerie. Although I didn’t know him, I am sure he was a remarkable person because of who you are. My thoughts are with you as you go through this tough time.
Michael Grove says
Sorry for your loss, Logan. I just met him once, but he was a great guy. My thoughts are with you guys.
William Frank Erhardt says
I was so sadden to hear of Ken’s passing. I have known him and his family for many years and his dad Dwayne McNeil and I have been friends for over35 years. I attended the funeral today heard some great comments about such a fine man. RIP Ken Bill Erhardt Helena, Mt
Kim & Todd Baertsch says
Our thoughts are with you, Catherine. While we only met Ken a few times, reading about his life and contributions, it is evident what a wonderful husband and father he was, and how many lives he touched. We thought so much of Ken and were heartbroken to hear of your loss. We will keep you in our prayers through this difficult time.