Grace, Neil Michael Neil Michael Grace was born 12-3-1937 to Elden and Ruth Grace and joined his two brothers Glen and Pat at the home his grandfather, Percy J. Grace completed in 1910. Neil was particularly proud and fond of his beloved grandfather P.J. Neil enjoyed his rural upbringing with his brothers and demonstrated a keen interest in all things mechanical at an early age. How-ever, his true passion for music and vocal study was evident during his school years. Washington State University offered a scholarship to Neil helping him earn his B.A. degree, the first in his family to graduate college. He excelled in voice and performing arts participating in numerous musicals, drama productions and student recitals. Additionally, it was during this time Neil served in the USAF (Res) later receiving his honorary discharge after eight years of dutiful service as an airman. Following graduation from WSU, Neil began a decades-long career as a licensed, professional land surveyor in western Washington and southcentral Minnesota. Neil's engineering mind and aptitude allowed him to excel in this profession and later resulted in a second career in heavy construction estimation and project management. Throughout Neil's career, there were two constants in his life, the love of music and the adoration of his future wife, Jeanne Traun Parker. Neil met Jeanne while singing at Seattle Chorale and later the two performed with Seattle Opera, as well as several other local singing groups. Thus began a several-year courtship in Washington, California and later, Minnesota. Jeanne left the Seattle area to compete in the San Fransisco Metropolitan Opera auditions and Neil followed to be at her side and they remained in San Fransisco singing together for the opera company until relocating to Minnesota. Neil and Jeanne married June 24, 1965, residing in Bloomington, MN for over 40 years raising three children (from Jeanne's previous marriage) Shelley, Heather and Rett Parker. During this time, Neil continued his 36-year career in Minnesota land surveying and commercial estimation, retiring in 2001. Another special interest the two shared were seemingly endless home additions and improvement projects creating beautiful spaces for voice instruction, entertainment, and relaxation. This home, like their next home in the mountains of western Montana, was filled with the continuous sound of both sacred and classical music, along with many trained voices. Neil and Jeanne developed and maintained meaningful relations with countless singers, voice students, performers, accompanists, music directors and choirmasters for several decades. Neil was proud of the many performance groups he was involved with focused on opera, musical comedy and oratorio including Leonard Moore Chorale, Seattle Chorale, Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, San Fransisco Opera, San Fransisco Polyphonic Chorus, Apollo Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota Opera Company, Mountain Lake Chorale Society, Temple Israel, St Mark's Cathedral Church, Minnesota Women's Club, Glacier Chorale, and the Crown of the Continent Choir. Sadly in 2004, their daughter Heather passed away, which caused Neil and Jeanne to begin a new life in Montana building their dream home on 20 acres with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and enjoyed visits from the resident wildlife populations. Neil continued to sing in this new environment with Glacier Chorale and Crown of the Continent Choir with Jeanne participating as her health allowed. This home would be their last home together. Neil passed on December 26, 2019, at age 82 surrounded by his family and enveloped in love and admiration. He was survived by his wife of 54 years Jeanne, daughter Shelley (Carl), son Rett (Charlee), grandchildren Bach (Ela), Lara (Jake), Leah (Jose'), Nick, Jessica, six great grandchildren, and nephews Casey and Kelly, and nieces Shannon and Sherri. Please join the family for a dual graveside service scheduled for May 10, 2024, at 12:15, Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave S, Mendota Heights, MN. A hosted reception from 1:00 to 4:00 follows at Axel's Restaurant, 1318 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN. In lieu of flowers, Neil would appreciate a donation to your local American Cancer Society.