Cornelis (Neal) Adrianes Rotteveel passed away on December 24, 2024 in Davis, California as the result of a four year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Neal was born in Heiloo, Holland on July 8, 1937. His parents were Hubertus and Cornelia Rotteveel, and he was one of thirteen children. The Rotteveel family operated a dairy farm in Heiloo, which Neal began to work on at an early age like his siblings did. His skills as a mechanic and the ability to use his hands and ingenuity to repair, design, and construct solutions to any problem or situation were legendary.
Neal married Mary Stoop in 1960, and moved from Holland to Chico, California in May 1962, to be near Mary's sister Alice Konyn living in Durham. Neal worked as a mechanic, and continued to do so after he and Mary moved to Dixon in 1963. Over time, Neal and Mary started Neal's Auto and Truck Repair Shop and purchased agricultural land in the Dixon area and established Rotteveel Orchards, primarily focused on growing and selling almonds. The business grew in acreage and productivity, and became one of the most successful orchard companies in the region.
Neal and Mary enjoyed sixty-four years of marriage, and raised four children: John (Cindy), Hubert, Nick (Kris), and Carolene (Brian) Dolan. Neal was a doting and supportive Opa to fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to his family, Neal loved football, (the real kind according to him), and was instrumental in creating soccer teams and leagues in the region. His leadership, influence and involvement to give back to the community led the City of Dixon to name a field in a local park in honor of him. Neal also served as a member of the Dixon Unified School Board for fourteen years, demonstrating his belief in the importance of education and his commitment to the youth of Dixon.
Neal became an avid golfer, and took more than his share of money while playing liar's dice and cards. He and Mary also enjoyed travel, both back to Holland and other parts of Europe. They led three trips of friends on European excursions, with a good time had by the dozens of people who joined them. He was a master at telling jokes, and could make friends anywhere he went.
The progression of Neal’s Alzheimers eventually stripped him of most of his abilities, but his humor and kindness remained intact until late in his life. He was under the compassionate and loving care of the staff at Carlton Senior Living in Davis over the last three years, and was the favorite resident of much of the staff. He told many of them repeatedly that they “were a good person.”
Neal led a good life, and his generosity to others helped many people do the same. He has left an indelible mark on those who knew him, and especially those that he helped with jobs, housing, finances, and many other things.
A funeral mass will be held at St. James Church in Davis on Saturday, January 11 at 2:00 P.M. A reception will follow at the Yolo Fliers Club in Woodland.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Neal and continue his legacy of generosity are encouraged to contribute to a scholarship fund for graduating seniors at Dixon High School that is currently being established. Information on the Rotteveel Scholarship Fund will be shared as soon as its non-profit status is finalized.
