Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You
Charles "Chuck" L. Neff
August 5, 1957 - October 13, 2024

Place of Birth: Williston, North Dakota
Residence: Williston, North Dakota
Age: 67



Charles L. (Chuck) Neff, 67, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Sunday afternoon, October 13, 2024.

The son of LaVern and Juanita (Jones) Neff, Chuck was born on August 5th, 1957. In typical Chuck fashion, he came into the world on his own time and in a hurry! Chuck was born early, weighing only 4 pounds and was brought home from the hospital in a shoe box. Chuck often referenced his grand entrance into the world as the reason he lived each day for the gift that is was, and he encouraged those around him to do the same.

Chuck was a graduate of Williston High School class of 1975. His classmates describe him as one of the “heartbeats of his class” for his integrity and generosity. Chuck attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During his time at UND, Chuck was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He attended many Fighting Sioux hockey games followed by trips to the Red Pepper. He honored this tradition, attending as many Sioux hockey games as he could over the years. Chuck went on to attend the University of Tulsa School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1983. While attending law school, Chuck was a member of Phi Delta Phi and the Tulsa Law Journal. He graduated from law school as one of the top ten students in his class and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers, a national honorary organization for individuals who excel in advocacy and service. Chuck was published in the Tulsa Law Review in 1983.

Chuck was admitted to the Bar in 1983 and began a long career working alongside his father LaVern C. Neff, a founding partner at what is known today as Neff Law. Chuck often stated that his miraculous survival of early birth defined his purpose to help others in any way he could. He embraced his profession as an attorney whole-heartedly. He worked long hours, taking on seemingly impossible cases, and showing a soft spot toward all legal underdogs. And he was good at it. He became a skilled and sought after litigator. He once took on 27 New York City lawyers by himself, defending a young Native American boy whose image was used by a rock band, internationally, without permission. And he won!

Chuck’s service to his community went above and beyond the walls of the courtroom. He was a member of the Kiwanis from 1988 - 1999, and became an enrolled member of Moose Lodge #239 in Williston in 1999. During Chuck’s time in the Moose, he earned the distinction of both a member of the Moose Legion and a Fellow. Chuck was a past Governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose for the 2004-2005 year. In addition to official membership in civic organizations, Chuck was instrumental in setting up a program at Bethel Lutheran Home that allowed residents to have free ice cream. He spoke at Williston High School’s Law Day, sharing the “real story” behind many well known cases. His leadership helped organize community-wide events, such as bringing boxer Virgil Hill, and later several soap opera stars to town during Oktoberfest. He served on several community boards, including being legal counsel for the Alva J. Field Foundation for a number of years.

Chuck lived his personal life to the fullest as well. He and his wife Sherry loved to travel and do all of the sight seeing they could at each place. They took trips to New York City and Hawaii, with Walt Disney World in Orlando and Las Vegas among favorite destinations. Chuck could always be found enjoying the food and vendors at county fairs and festivals closer to home, with the Pride of Dakota Show, Hostfest, and Minnesota State Fair topping the list of favorites. He loved food, maybe because he was born so small. Not only was he a regular at the Court House Café throughout his professional life, he and Sherry operated “Chuck’s Wagon” BBQ food trucks for several years, serving hearty meals at reunions, banquets and other special occasions. He was chief cook and bottle washer for the famed Methodist Corn Beef and Cabbage dinner, made big batches of chokecherry jelly to give away, and cooked mega breakfasts for whomever was at the family cabins on the weekends. He had several huge pots he used to boil seafood and corn on the cob for the annual family “Crabfest” held every Christmas. He and Sherry often planned vacations around some of the restaurants they wanted to visit. One of his favorite memories was when he hosted his office staff and his kids for an evening of food and fun at the famous Delmonico’s in Las Vegas.

Chuck’s happy place was his cabin on Lake Sacajawea, where he always had a project under construction, meat on the grill, tomatoes in the garden and music playing loudly through the wide open doors of his gigantic garage. The shop at the lake became the hub for Chuck’s hobbies outside of cooking! He had a love and appreciation for classic cars and was a longtime member of Basin Kruzers Car Club. He loved to share the unique story behind each car. His car collection included a motorcycle that he took on a few trips to Sturgis.

Chuck was an expert in military history, especially in his knowledge of tanks. The collection of model tanks that he built over the years was profiled in several magazines. In true Chuck style, he took his love of tanks to the max and once owned a real tank that he drove in the Minot State Fair Parade. Chuck’s most recent project was restoring a 1952 Willys M38 United States Army Jeep with his son, Matt.

Chuck leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. His smile and his stories would brighten any room. He loved to talk to people and he loved to entertain. He loved to win at Scrabble and he loved his family. Chuck will be remembered for everything he brought to the lives of those who knew him, including advice, laughter, and plates BBQ brisket. Most notably, Chuck brought the joy.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Sherry Neff, as well as four children, Kristine Neff, Tulsa, OK; Matthew (Sarah) Neff, Jenks, OK; Miranda Neff, Sand Springs, OK; Tara (Samuel) Erickstad, Williston, ND. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren, Kaia and Margaret Haigh of Bonner Springs, KS; Lucas and Jordan Sewell, Tulsa, OK; Penelope and Vance Neff, Jenks, OK; Lillie, Luca and Brixley Erickstad of Williston, ND; as well as two sisters, Donna (Walt Jesteadt) Neff, Omaha, NE; and Barbara (David) Nash, Bismarck, ND.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, LaVern C and Juanita J Neff.




Memorial Contribution
If you would like to make a donation, the family would like you to consider donating to:

Furry Friends
Rockin Rescue
PO Box 7364
Bismarck, ND 58507

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Paul Suess (Williston)
Oct 14, 2024
Remembering All The Fun We Had, When We Were Young. R.I.P. Good Friend
Nancy Slaaten Adele (Green Valley, Arizona)
Oct 14, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Chuck’s family.
Ron Hendrickson (Williston , Nd)
Oct 15, 2024
Rest in peace my friend prayers to Sherri and family
Jeff Nehring (Williston)
Oct 15, 2024
Chuck was a great guy and terrific lawyer. His sense of humor and laugh will be greatly missed. Sherri and the Neff family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Stacy Haug (Williston)
Oct 15, 2024
Your were my mentor and my friend. Thank you for having faith in me and allowing me to spread my wings in a profession that I came to love so much! I will never forget all of your encouraging words, Courthouse Cafe’ treats, shenanigans and friendship! You will be missed ??

Sending my Love and Prayers to Sherry and family!

Stacy
Jill (Senti) Stevens (Blackhawk, South Dakota)
Oct 15, 2024
Blessings and prayers to Chuck's family. He was a very special friend in my life.
lane soiseth (Napoleon, North Dakota)
Oct 16, 2024
You were such a good person with a good heart, and heart of gold. You made everyone smile; say hi to my mom up there and my brother Dustin up there. No more pain and suffering.
Debbie (Malchert) Van Berkom (Bismarck , ND)
Oct 17, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with Chuck’s family. Cherish your memories.
Susan Jorgenson (Williston, ND)
Oct 17, 2024
A beautifully well written life story, Sherry and family. Thank you. A lovely service planned for Saturday.
May His peace surround you.
Mark and Laurie Wrolson (Williston , ND)
Oct 17, 2024
Chuck was my neighbor for several years and we had a lot of good visits and one of the benefits of having him as a neighbor was he always brought over his delicious barbecue dishes for me to sample and enjoy from his famous Chuck's Wagon and I always has some good conversations and laughs with him and his breakfast crew at the Courthouse cafe . Your all in our thoughts and prayers
Crystal Boxley (Williston, ND)
Oct 21, 2024
You will missed by me,Crystal B and the staff at The Tavern at the Grand Williston. Mrs. Sherry we are very sorry for your loss.
Julie A Treib (Mandan, ND)
Oct 22, 2024
Beautiful life story and what a blessing to share in the Service of Chuck. May he be remembered as a faithful Servant of God- always blessing those around him- both young and old! May you all experience grace through him.
Scott Key
Oct 23, 2024
To the Entire Family -
So sad to hear of Chuck's passing. My folks were good friends with Vern and Juanita. I recall having Christmas Dinner at their house when one of the girls received all the Beatles albums available at the time. I was envious! Chuck was just a young tyke, full of personality, but he made an impression.

May your grief not last long and all the good stuff mention in the obituary give comfort to us who survive... forever.
Connie Sass (Minnetonka, MN)
Oct 31, 2024
My deepest condolences to Chuck’s family and all who love him!
He was a great guy with a heart of gold~
A classmate I’m honored to have called a friend~
Prayers to all
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