Neil J. Toso, age 77, of Mahnomen, MN died Wednesday, Aug 23, 2017 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home wrapped in love by family, and under the wonderful care of the staff at the nursing home and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Neil Jerome Toso was born October 31, 1939, on the 24th birthday of his eldest brother. Neil was the youngest of 11 children born to Mabel (Weik) and Martin Toso. Neil and his siblings were raised in Section 19 of Maplewood Township, rural Pelican Rapids, MN, near Maplewood Sate Park. He was baptized and confirmed at Bagstevold Lutheran Church (now Grace Lutheran) Erhard, MN. He attended Ottertail County 16 country school and graduated with the class of 1957 from Pelican Rapids High School. After a semester at Augsburg College, he entered the United State Army in the fall of 1958. He actively served in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1961 followed by three years of reserve service. He started his banking career upon his return to Pelican Rapids at the J.P. Wallace State Bank and continued in the banking business in Detroit Lakes, and Ogema, MN. In 1962 he met and married Carol Randklev, they had four children and later divorced. In the late 70's Neil started working for Mahube Community Council and this is where he would meet Bette Lien. They married on March 7, 1981, and together with Neil's two living children, they made their home in Nevis. In August of 1985, Neil was hired at First National Bank in Mahnomen, moving to Mahnomen on Christmas break of 1985. He faithfully worked as a loan officer at the bank until his retirement in 2000. Subsequently, retirement was not in the cards for Neil, so in January of 2002, he accepted a position as the Mahnomen County Veterans Service Officer. He held this position for the next 8 years. It was a job he thoroughly enjoyed every day. Neil would also become a special link of the Anderson Family Funeral Home staff in Mahnomen. With time spread over many years, Neil helped work many funerals, visitations and drove countless miles to assist the funeral home while serving families entrusted to their care. He also worked right alongside Bette at Mahnomen County Abstract Company. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May of 2006. As Neil's health diminished, he was forced to slow down but he never lost his sense of humor. Over the past several years, he has battled time and time again against his cancer, always seeming to overcome the obstacles it brought forth. As his fight lingered on, Neil's physical body became weak but his inner beauty and faith remained steadfast. Neil was extremely active in both his community and First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. He was truly a servant, as well as a leader, and never shied away from helping others. Over the years, he served on various boards but was especially involved in the American Legion Post 31, Mahnomen County DAC, the Center for Human Environment, Lions Club, Mahnomen Boosters and was a Past Exalted Ruler with the Elks in Detroit Lakes. He was also a constant presence at community events with his camera in hand. When his children were young, Neil served on the Nevis School Board and other Nevis organizations. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, many years on the church council in both Nevis and Mahnomen, and on the board for the Lutheran Memorial Homes. Very near and dear to his heart was United Blood Services. Neil not only donated blood, but he organized and worked so many local blood drives to raise awareness of this great need. Neil proudly served on the Mahnomen Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief for several years, and retiring after 20+ years of service. He enjoyed music, always singing in the church choir and various choirs, dancing, hunting, working crosswords, playing endless hours of solitaire, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Neil will be always remembered as a true and loyal servant…to family, friends, church, community, and country. Neil is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bette, of Mahnomen; daughter, Barbra (Patrick) Pfeifer, Bismarck, ND, son, Daniel Toso, Nevis, MN; two granddaughters, Ava and Lauren Pfeifer; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant children and 10 siblings. God Bless the memory of Neil J. Toso. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, Sept 2, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN. A Time of Gathering will take place on Friday, September 1, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen and one hour prior to the funeral at the church.