TAMA-Neil Allen Young Bear (Ne Na Ke Bi A) age 27, of Tama, died Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. A Traditional Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Homer Bear Jr. as speaker. A traditional wake was held Tuesday evening at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.
Neil was born on September 28, 1982, in Denver, CO, the son of Craig Young Bear Sr. and the late Judy Brown of Wind River, Wyoming. He spent most of his life in Tama. Neil attended the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, IA, where he was active in football, basketball, track and student council throughout his high school years. He was Vice President and Homecoming King for the Class of 2001. His favorite things to do were traveling, playing pool and spending time with friends and family.
Neil was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Brown and a sister, Leila Young Bear.
He is survived by his father, Craig Sr. of Tama; his brothers, Lowell, Stevie and Craig Jr. all of Tama; two sisters, Leah and Toni both of Tama; and a special friend, Amanda Humlicek.