NEAL E. TRIBBY

St. Marys

Services for Neal Ellis Tribby, 75, who passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2019, in Des Moines, will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the St. Marys Parish Hall, St. Marys, IA with burial following in the St. Marys Cemetery.

Neal loved fishing and enjoyed many trips to Canada, Minnesota, and Missouri in search of the big ones, but often being out-fished by Ginger. After a long career, and well into retirement, Neal became passionate about landscaping his own yard, and it was truly the envy of the neighborhood. He was an active and well-respected member of his community, which included serving on the city council, honorary member of the local American Legion (a regular member of the "flag crew"), and the Izaak Walton League.

Neal was intensely proud of his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was affectionately known as "Grandpa Sweetheart," a title he earned by sending valentine flowers to all of his sweethearts every year.

After 9/11, the word "patriotism" took on a new, more intense meaning for the Tribby family, and they hosted many 9/11 gatherings, "Lest we never forget."

Neal will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He will join a good many well-known personalities, including "The Duke" and Jim Dooley.

He is survived by his wife Ginger Tribby; children, Kevin Tribby, Rodney Tribby, Theresa Hall; grandchildren, Tony Helm, Tiffany (Jeremy) Cook, Andraya Tribby, Olivia (Justin Walden) Tribby; great grandchildren, Cody Doornenbal, Stephanie Cook, Breanna Cook, LeAnna Helm, Maggie Dayton, and Willow Tribby; siblings, Ann Kent and Terri Leavy.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Evalyn Tribby.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 20, at St. Marys Parish Hall where family will be present to greet friends. Memorials may be given to the St. Marys Fire and Rescue Department or the Izaak Walton League of Des Moines.