G. Neil Whetstone, 74, State Center

G. Neil Whetstone, age 74, of State Center, Iowa, passed away on June 17, 2024. A Celebration of Life service will be Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 Douglas Ave. Ames.

G. Neil Whetstone was born in Ames, Iowa on March 18, 1950, the son of Roy and Margarette (Conyers) Whetstone. Neil grew up in Gilbert and later graduated from Gilbert High School in the Class of 1968. He married Jane (Hanson) Whetstone in 1974 and spent the next 50 years creating a life well lived. They spent years residing in Ames, Des Moines, and Ankeny raising their daughter, eventually retiring and settling in State Center almost five years ago. He had a passion for adventure and would always be willing to test boundaries and try anything once! Neil’s early years involved activities such as Bronc and horseback riding in rodeos, water skiing, and snowmobiling with friends. Neil enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada always looking for the next big catch. Traveling across the US on a motorcycle and riding the tail of the dragon was a highlight of one of his many adventures. In retirement years, you’d likely find him standing along a fence line or sitting in the bleachers attending various sporting events of his grandsons. His passion for fixing, building, and making things with his hand in his workshop. He was known to have a place for everything and everything in its place. He loved nothing more than passing on his skill to his son-in-law and grandsons. He enjoyed escaping Iowa winters and going south to be a snowbird in Donna, Texas. There he would take his bride dancing, bowling, golfing, and spending time hanging with friends likely having a cold one.

Neil was a member of the Elks Lodge 1626 of Ames, VFW Post 9662, and the American Legion Post 374.

Neil’s woodworking and construction skills were honed during his time working along side his Dad and brothers in a family business of Roy Whetstone & Sons. Later he then would go on to find his knack as a salesman selling insurance and eventually retiring from agricultural farm equipment.

Neil is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Terry, step-brother-in-law, Ed Best, and step-mom Marilyn. He is survived by his wife, Jane Whetstone, his daughter, Kema (Mike) Davis, of State Center, IA; two grandchildren, Kaden and Carson Davis; brother Dan (Connie) Whetstone, of Timnath, CO, sisters, Becky (David) Fehring Bethany, MO, Karla Whetstone, Story City, IA; Step-brother Terry (Karen) Breckinridge, of Centennial, CO, step-sister Kim Best of Urbandale, IA. As well as many cousins. nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be left for Neil’s family at www.adamsoderstrum.com

Adams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.