Neal Marshall Maxfield of Dillon, Montana passed away on May 8, 2025, from injuries sustained in a car accident. Neal lived with authenticity and joy. His enthusiasm encouraged those around him to embrace life’s experiences. His absence leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him.
Neal was born November 2, 1975, in Rupert, Idaho, the fourth of seven children to Ward and Judy Maxfield. Neal was raised on the family farmstead outside of Paul, ID. Growing up with four brothers on the edge of thousands of acres of BLM rangeland, he developed a thirst for adventure, as well as a gift for mischief. He honed interests in BMX riding, soccer, archery, and snowboarding; setting the foundation for a lifetime of outdoor activities. Throughout his teenage years, Neal was most often found chasing adventure, mischief, or both at the side of his best friend, Ted Bradshaw.
A tireless work ethic defined Neal’s adulthood. After graduating from Minico High School, Neal served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Dublin Ireland. Upon returning Neal continued his education at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), working at a Chili’s restaurant while earning credentials as a Registered Nurse. In Twin Falls, he met Danielle Beck, whom he would later marry, welcoming their first son, Liam, in 2002. Neal worked as an RN at Portneuf Medical center while earning a Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Idaho State University. He then joined the US Army Reserves to support his graduate education, enabling him to graduate as a Nurse Anesthetist from the Hamot School of Anesthesia at Gannon University in 2005. Neal and Danielle returned to Idaho where Neal joined the staff at St Luke’s Hospital in Boise. Here, Neal and Danielle were blessed with their second son, Henry. Despite the gruelling schedule of education, work, and military service, Neal maintained his love of outdoor activities, picking up road cycling and eventually competing in a triathlon.
In 2007, the family moved to Dillon, Montana, where Neal worked at Barrett Hospital. Amid a number of personal and professional changes (including a divorce in 2017), Neal embraced all the natural beauty that Montana had to offer, renewing interests in rock climbing, hiking, and camping. He loved to share these interests with his sons.
When Neal met Deb Kohlwey (married 2021), he knew he had found someone who could match his energy and love for life. Together they shared their interest in the outdoors, Neal teaching Deb to rock climb, and Deb helping Neal to explore his artistic side. Emboldened by her support and encouragement, Neal became a gifted artisan, creating stunning art pieces with found wood, resins, metals, and other materials. When his extensive tool collection failed to meet a specific need for his visions, he created his own tools to fill the gap. His creativity was unlocked and there was no stopping it.
The list of work, projects, friendships, creations, and adventures that fully capture Neal’s story would fill volumes. The hole his death leaves in the lives of those who loved him cannot be filled. He loved his sons without end. He adored his wife beyond measure. He will be dearly remembered, and sorely missed.
He is preceded in death by his father Ward, sister Tiffany Bopp, and grandparents. He is survived by his Wife Deborah Kohlwey [Maxfield]; Sons Liam and Henry (mother: Danielle Beck [Maxfield]); Step Children Tatjana Vermunt and Aryean Vermunt; Sister Cherish Goodwin; Brothers, Troy, Adam, Layne, and Lynn; and his Mother Judy Maxfield.
A celebration of life will be held at Barrett Park (8 miles south of Dillon, Montana) at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a donation to a charity of their choice.
Visit below to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Neal.
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Erin lake says
He was a ray of sunshine in so many people’s lives. I will cherish the time we all spent together.
Layne Maxfield says
Neal, you were so loved! Thank you for loving people, including myself, who often did not deserve it. You strength and courage made you a man that lead the way many other, including myself. You sharp mind point to unique solutions that met the need of the day. I apologize for my many short comings. I wish we could ride our snowboards, mt bikes, dirt bikes and wrestle again. Or embrace you in a tight hug. Your humor punctuated every trial, a real example and gift to us all. You are a blessing in my life. Gods speed brother, until we meet again.
Mario Umana says
One of the most outgoing individual I’ve had the pleasure of knowning.
Tana Hamilton says
We’re so very sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind. Sending you all our love!
Cindy Christenson Fisher says
There is no one like Neal Maxfield. He really was a friend to all of us in the Minico High School Class of 94. Whenever I am in Paul and drive by the sign that reads, “Paul, Idaho: Friendliest little town in Idaho” (or is it nicest?), I think of people like Neal. He was so loved by all of us, probably because he was so genuinely nice to all of us. He had so many talents and wasn’t afraid to share them. All my love to the Maxfield family, Neal’s wife, and sons!
Ted Bradshaw says
Words can’t begin to express how much Neal will be missed. I couldn’t imagine having a better friend. I feel overwhelmingly grateful to have shared a small part in his journey. Neal’s laughter was infectious, his passion for adventure inspiring, and his love for friends and family was pure. Neal made a career relieving the pain of others. His sincere compassion and lighthearted delivery gave solace to countless strangers leaving them with good memories through tough times.
The happy memories, the love, and the support Neal gave us all will live forever in our lives. We love you brother! Rest in Peace my friend.
Eric B. Lopez says
Neal’s verve and zeal for life were infectious! He and Ted made an indelible mark on my life, something so special, I hope it never, ever, washes out. On my first snowboarding trip out with them, they were egging me on to complete a backflip, which I recall I tried until I landed it. As I recall Neal was fearless on a snowboard, and mine was the privilege of seeing him complete many a stunt on his board. He excelled at the front flip!
When I was about 18 or 19 Neal took some time out for me and we went to Burgers,Etc. and we had a talk. He was so kind. He truly believed in me and my talents I was saying at the time that I really hope to be successful at art and and he supported my thoughts and goals said “of course you’ll be successful.” His thoughts on the topic meant the world to me.
The three of us got into a little bit of mischief one time when we went sand boarding at Bruneau Dunes. We sand boarded on the dunes for a while, and then at the bottom of the dunes was the little lake, And we managed to get into a keep away game, where the prize was a rock. After a few throws back and forth, I ended up taking the rock to the face when Neal was trying to throw it and he felt so bad when I got hurt but I was OK. It was just a little bit bloody. They had to take me to the ER where my cousin the nurse Teresa Tuma (Wagoner), was on shift, and she had to give me some kind of cocaine based pain reliever for my nose, and we all had a story! Haha!
I look forward to seeing Neal again one day!
Linda Cochran says
I did not know him well, but knew him thru the hospital in Dillon. He was a wonderful NA. So sorry about his passing. Sending prayers to all of his friends and family during this time of sorrow.
Isaac Lopez says
No one attacked life the way Neal did. He was a guy who you were happy to know from the first minute you met him. My prayers are with his family who surely miss him dearly. Heaven called home one of the truly special ones.
Godspeed Neal.
Janet Merenz says
I enjoyed working with Neal at the hospital in Dillon, he was so pleasant. Also, I will never forget hearing him perform Welcome to the Jungle at a hospital lip sync/karaoke party. It was insane.
Sharon Champine says
Neil was such a ray of sunshine in our neighborhood here in Dillon. He was busy working in his garage on some project all the time, but would always take the time to visit. His kind & willing nature to help anyone here will never be forgotten. We will miss his vibrant personality so much!
I experienced his wonderful abilities as an anesthesiologist once when having a procedure that normally left me very nauseated. It was so great to wake up & not be sick! Thank you, Neal.