We are so sorry for your lose. We saw him at a diner in Lacon, Lowell was in school with Neil. God has a plan for us all. We just have to be ready for him. No manner we are never ready. God Bless!

Please accept my sympathy in the passing of Neil! I knew him through his (and my) involvement with Tranport. I enjoyed getting to the meetings early to talk with Neil about airplanes and pilots. My brother and I bought a 1943 Piper Cub that is a nearly-exact copy of a plane our father flew. The problem with buying the plane is that neither my brother nor I are pilots. I spoke with Neil at length about the situation and he gave me a couple of names that we had heard independently! Neil was a great resource, as you already know! I am grateful to have known him, and certainly saddened by his passing! Rich Kriegsman

My wife and I are so sorry for your loss. We knew Neil through me taking ground school from him and flying out of Lacon. he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him

In my capacity as Marshall Co. Sheriff, I have had the privilege of working with Neil on many different disasters and emergency situations, along with many drills and emergency preparedness exercises. He also was a current member of Marshall Co.'s ETSB (911 Board). Neil will be greatly missed as he had my and my agencys' utmost confidence and respect.

As a pilot that flies at Marshall County airport, and a part time employee that worked for Neil, I have lost a great colleague. On a much more personal level, I have lost a great friend. I have always considered Neil one of my aviation mentors. He had a way of setting you straight about things without talking down to you. I always knew that his advice was born of a truly remarkable base of experience, and I sought it whenever I could. Neil was a champion of the "little guy" in aviation, the often forgotten segment of our hobby. His knowledge of aircraft, their many systems, and most importantly their pilots, was, in my opinion, unmatched. His passing has left a void in the aviation community that will likely never be filled. Linda and I express our deepest condolences to Chad, Brenda, Carolyn, and Nancy, and all of Neil's family. You are all in our prayers. If God was needing a first class pilot or mechanic, He isn't any more. Fly on Neil...fly on.

I want to express my deepest sympathy Neil's family and close friends. You will be in my prayers. I have always liked and admired Neil. He was a great person and tremendous asset to our communities. I remember one summer when my sister and her family were visiting me. I had won a half hour plane ride at a fund raiser. I gave it to my two young nephews. Neil gave them the best time. They were just thrilled! I am sorry that I will be out of town when the celebration of Neil's life takes place. In the gospel of John, Jesus says that there are many rooms in his Father's mansion and that he is going to prepare a place us. For Neil, though, I think he might have made it a hanger full of planes.

Chad and Brenda, You very well may not remember me, but I do remember you when you were younger, growing up in the Quad Cities. I met you several times when your father was married to Judy, I worked with Judy @ K I Willis in Milan. Your father was a great gentleman and during many of our company gatherings we were able to converse about his love for aviation. He also showed tremendous support of my efforts advancing within my company, and I will never forget that, what a kind person he was. I am deeply sorry for your loss, I know he will be greatly missed. He made a huge impact on this world and we are all better for it. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Rick Fifer

To the family of my eldest cousin, Neil, my deepest sympathies. As the administrator of the Drehmer/Westerlund family tree, for which his mother, Enid, had a big part in researching, I am recording his final entry and life-long accomplishments for future generations to marvel. My condolences, I am sure, are shared by several of the Westerlund cousins and relatives.

Brenda and Chad: I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a good man, a great pilot, and a loving father. He loved you both so very much and I feel blessed to have had you all in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Judy

My sincere condolences to Neil's family and friends. I am very sorry for your loss, I will certainly keep you in my prayers. I had the pleasure of working with Neil over many years through the airport. A kinder, more patient, helpful man I have never encountered.

What a great guy! As the Command protocol officer I had the pleasure of flying with Neil on many occasions to our installations throughout the US. He was truly a great pilot and friend. My younger brother, Lanny, was fortunate to have him as a mentor in the local civil air patrol. Lanny has been a Blackhawk pilot in the Army and just recently retired. He too felt Neil was one of the best pilots he ever knew. Keep your fond memories of him close. Sonja

I met Neil at Marshall County Airport in 2006. I fly into Lacon a few times per year to visit the cemetery in Henry. Neil was always at the airport and very friendly. May he rest in peace.

Carolyn, Brenda & Chad: Our thoughts & sympathy go out to all of you at this time of loss. Neil will be missed by many of us but we know he is at rest. Thank you for the call and keeping us informed.

Brenda and Chad, I am so sorry to read of Neil's passing. He was one of my mentors in aviation who prodded and pushed me to move forward in the field.He will be missed. My sincere condolences

I've spoken with Neil several times while seeking advice about mechanical issues with my airplane. He was always very helpful and courteous, and always took time to listen and answer my questions thoughtfully. I'm very sorry for your loss and pray that the Lord Almighty would give you peace and comfort in your time of grief.

While I spoke with Neil several times on the telephone, last year I had the opportunity to sit and chat with him in Oshkosh at the ABS tent. He has helped me several times over the last 4 years that I have owned my Bonanza. He was a very knowledgeable guy who answered my naive questions without being condescending. What a gentleman. He will be missed. Please accept my condolences.

From its inception in 2004, Neil served as the Marshall Co. representative on the Heart of Illinois Rgional Port District commission. Neil rarely missed a board meeting, despite the long drive to Peoria and the fact that it's an unpaid position. His aviation background was so useful in helping our river port board make decisions. As the port's staff person, I could always rely on Neil in sorting through issues. He was a very caring man and we will miss him.