Neal A. Risner

Neal A. Risner, age 73, of Toledo, OH passed away November 5, 2025 at Regency Hospital of Toledo. He was born December 3, 1951 in Toledo to Wyatt and Mary Ellen (Rothgelb) Risner.

From an early age, his life was anything but ordinary, but he refused to let anything stand in his way. He played the hand that he was dealt and turned it into an extraordinary life filled with great times, great memories, and life long friendships. He didn't pull any punches. You either loved him, or you didn't. Either way, he lived life on his terms and loved those who were a part of it. If you were in the circle, you likely had a nickname, and that's who you were to everyone. To this day, some people only know a person by what Neal called them. Those who received one cherish it. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved everything about the outdoors. He loved music and attending concerts. He was an avid sports fan and loved Ohio State, the Red Wings, and the Tigers. He coached youth baseball for many years, and his teams won multiple championships. His former players still reminisce about those days and how his toughness shaped his teams. He loved a great story and if you were lucky, you heard it more than once. He loved to argue, but most of us just gave up because we knew that he wouldn't back down. That's who he was. A tough man that never backed down. He was unpredictable and said the things that most of us wouldn't (or shouldn't) say. That is one of the many reasons that we loved him so much. He gave everything he had and refused to quit. He was hard, but he had a soft heart If he loved you, you knew it, and you always knew where you stood with him. His friendships lasted longer than many marriages or lifetimes, and they were by his side until the very end. What an incredible blessing. To love and be loved is what everyone desires, and he had that. Those that love him are devastated, but we hold tight to the hope that we will be reunited with him in Heaven. Until then, we will cherish the great times and memories that are stored up in our hearts.

In addition to his parents, Neal was also preceded in death by his sister, Karen Meter. He is survived by his wife, Linda Snavely; children, Jason (Amy) Risner, Jennifer Whitaker, Keith "Burt" (Leslie) Risner and Katie Risner; grandchildren, Braden, Nolan, Kyla, Kali, Cameran, Cara, Dominic, Leila and Wyatt; brothers, Mike and Eric Risner; sister, Kathy (Phil) Graber and brother-in-law, Jerry Meter.

A Celebration of Neal's life will be announced at a later date.

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