Denise Kay Neels, 50, of Festus died Jan. 2, 2017, at her home. Mrs. Neels was a pre-kindergarten teacher at Immanuel Lutheran Church preschool in Festus. She was a member of the St. Louis Street Rod Association and of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus and loved teaching children. Born April 18, 1966, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of Pete and Lillian (Menendez) Hutnyk of Lemay.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband: Steven M. Neels Sr. of Festus; a son: Steven Neels Jr. of Festus; a daughter: Amanda Neels of Festus; a brother: Pete (Linda) Hutnyk Jr. of O’Fallon; a sister: Tracy (Mike) Brumfield of O’Fallon; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins, in Festus. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Our Lady Catholic Church, Father Jeffrey Maassen and Pastor Jarold Rux officiating. Burial is in the Concord Cemetery in Bloomsdale. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.