H. Neal Feuerhelm
May 30, 1945 — July 15, 2026
H. Neal Feuerhelm, 81, passed away comfortably at home on July 15th, 2026. He was born at the end of WWII in Berkeley, CA, to Hartsel and Alyce Feuerhelm. His family returned to Iowa when Neal was young, and he was a Des Moines area resident for the remainder of his life. He graduated from North High School and attended Iowa State University and Grand View University.
Neal was an avid sports fan who loved the L.A. Dodgers, the Green Bay Packers, the Boston Celtics and Arnold Palmer. He spent many years chasing the elusive walleye through the back waters of the Upper Midwest and Canada! He felt most at home off the grid with good friends. His favorite pastime in later years was the joy of being a grandfather.
Neal's career in computer science began at Firestone Tire and Rubber and continued at AMF Lawn and Garden, Guide One and American Modern, where he retired.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Sherry. He is survived by the family he loved - his two sons, Brett (Mary) Feuerhelm and Trevor (Jacque) Feuerhelm; five grandchildren, Thomas Feuerhelm, Kennedy (Hunter) Feuerhelm-Johnson, Sydney Feuerhelm, Faith Feuerhelm and Joseph Feuerhelm, all of the Des Moines area; and his brother-in-law, Tim (Sherry) Vuagniaux of Sedalia, MO.
There will be a gathering from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines to honor Neal's memory and celebrate his life.
Neal will be interred at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines, IA.
In lieu of flower arrangements and gifts, please consider donating to the Walleye Restoration Foundation in Neal's name.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jason Cooper
07/27/2026
You will certainly be missed, sir. I had the pleasure of meeting you in the 80s, having hung around Trevor and being HS classmates with Brett. You always had a kind word and a smile that was radiant, yet everyone knew that it was just a bit mischievous. I truly enjoyed my interactions with both you and Sherry. I am very sorry to see you go, but know that you and Sherry will be smiling down on the wonderful family that you created. Rest well, sir. We'll take it from here!
Peggy Witthoft
07/22/2026
…..you will be missed. my condolences to Brett, Trevor and families. Our good friend of 50 years, you and Sherry will be missed. please give my love to Gary in Heaven and Sherry as well. We will all be together again someday. Love you
Peggy Witthoft
07/22/2026
Rest in peace my long time friend. Gary and I had so many fun memories with you and Sherry. From stock car races in Knoxville, playing cards many weekends, vacationing together in Orange Beach, AL and many hours with our friend group. Paste, Al, Wayne and Marvin to name only a few. Our kids grew up together
Steven Bell
07/21/2026
I have known Neal and Sherry forever...a more loving couple you could never find!
I have great memories of our fishing trips to Canada and our elusive search of the 30 inch Walleye... Neal was known as " Neal the Knife " because of his excellent way of cleaning fish.
Many great memories..... RIP Neal and enjoy your glorious reunion with Sherry forever in paradise...!!
Ray Smith
07/20/2026
I first met Neal over 70 years ago in Little League. We played together at North High too . I went to many a dog race in Sioux City with him and we shared several lunches together with other North High School graduates the last few years. I will miss his smile that could light up a room! RIP
Rusty Rahm
07/20/2026
RIP Fuerhelm. You were a very unique and intelligent man You were programming computers in the 70's long before most of us even knew what they were. Also, when it came to walleye fishing, you always knew where the hotspots would be and always had a knack for knowing what cards were left in other people's decks. It’s incredible to think that in the over 50 years that I knew Neal, I can’t recall him being angry or yelling. In fact, I challenge anybody reading this to think back over the time you knew Neal if you can even recall him being angry or in a bad mood. He always greeted people with a smile!
Neal never demanded or commanded respect—he simply earned it every day through his calm demeanor, quiet humility, and the genuine kindness he showed to everyone he met.
I hope both Brett and Trevor and their respective families can find some peace, knowing that their mom and dad have been reunited in heaven. As I’m sure you guys are both aware of your mom and dad we’re like second parents to me, I will alway forever be grateful that all of you came into my life!
Rusty Rahm
Bret Cooper
07/19/2026
Mr.Feuerhelm.
Trevor, Sending my condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
Please know I am thinking of you and hope that good memories will help to carry you through the days and weeks ahead.
Prayers from Arizona