Neal Loren Bork

Neal Loren Bork, age 73, of Sergeant Bluff, IA, and formerly Cleghorn, IA, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Unity Point Health in Sioux City, IA, after a 14 month courageous battle with lung cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, located at 709 W. Cedar St. Cherokee, IA. Father Dan Rupp and Father Dan Guenther will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday night at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee. There will be a 7:00 p.m. prayer service following visitation Friday at the church. Neal's service will be livestreamed on the Greenwood-Schubert website for those unable to attend. The Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee, IA, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.

Neal Loren Bork was born on June 19, 1951 in Le Mars, IA to Dale and Gladys (Meyer) Bork. He grew up on farms in the Cleghorn area. He graduated from Meriden-Cleghorn HS in 1969 and from Wayne State College in 1973 with a business degree. He married his high school sweetheart, Marie Rupp, on December 22, 1971 at Visitation Church, Maryhill. Neal and Marie welcomed two children Christian Alexander on September 20, 1974 and Courtney Danielle on July 29, 1976. 

Neal worked for Dorr Implement and then at Steele State Bank for 11 years, starting as a teller and moving to Vice President and Ag Loan Officer. His real love was farming so he began that dream when he left banking. Neal and Marie started a farrow to finish hog operation. They bought the first tree spade which grew to three and a new business, Country Pines Christmas Tree Farm, was formed. In 1990, the first Christmas trees were planted and the Bork family began welcoming customers in 1995. He loved seeing people making memories at the farm and being part of that experience. Neal and Marie were inseparable as they worked and played side by side for many years. They moved to Sergeant Bluff in 2021.

 Neal was a man of deep faith and practiced that as a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, church council representative and a food pantry volunteer. 

Neal was a man who loved the outdoors, tinkering in his shop, and attending car shows in his ‘72 Nova. He enjoyed spending winters on the beach in Mazatlan or in Casa Grande, AZ. He had fun sharing happy hours with friends, cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, traveling to 20 countries, then adventuring in his RV and just loving life. His pride and joy were his kids and grandkids, who he loved spending time with. He sent a message to his grandkids every Sunday night and looked forward to their response. 

Neal is survived by Marie, his bride of 52 years. His children Christian and Amy Bork of Sioux City and Courtney and Craig Wolterman of Ankeny. His three grandchildren Kennedy and Kannon Bork and Emily Wolterman. His brother Ron and Marilyn Bork, a sister Linda and Ed Dunklau and brother-in-law Jim Scharff, six nieces, Rupp Family and many friends.

 He was proceeded in death by his parents, a sister, Jean Scharff, a nephew, Jonathon Scharff and his in-laws, Raymond and Opal Rupp. 

 Neal was a loved man, a great friend and neighbor, and will be missed by many. 

In lieu of flowers or plants the family will donate memorials to a charity in Neal’s name.