Jeffrey McNea, age 64 of Bottineau, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at a Minot hospital.  His funeral will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00 am at the United parish in Bottineau.  Visitation will be on Thursday starting at 1:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Jeff was the baby of the family and spoiled by all. He grew up on the farm surrounded by everything he loved: cattle, horses, dogs and his toy tractors. Jeff always had a strong work ethic and began working at M&J Equipment as a mechanic in 1975 as only a sophomore in high school while also helping out on the family farm. Later on in life, he became known as a genius Versatile and Massey Ferguson mechanic. He graduated in 1978 from Bottineau High School.

On June 21st, 1986 he married Terrie Ohren of Gardena, ND. They lived in West Fargo for a time where he worked as a mechanic for a Massey Ferguson dealership in Barnsville, MN. They then moved back to Bottineau where he worked for North Central Equipment. Together they had one son, Joshua Richard born on May 11th, 1991. Jeff and Terrie divorced in 1994.

Josh was the light of Jeff's life and his reason for everything. He instilled a hard work ethic, commitment and family values in Josh and was very proud of his son.

In 1993, Jeff suffered a work related injury leaving him disabled and unable to continue with his career, however, many farmers and ranchers would contact him for advice on how to fix their equipment long after his accident. His mind was sharp until the end; he could easily tear down and put back together a tractor or combine in his head and advise anyone on their problematic machinery.

Jeff spent many hours in Josh's shop giving him his tips and tricks. He had a dog, Buddy, whom he loved dearly, but was a royal pain in his butt. Jeff liked to sit in his pickup and watch Josh work the cattle and looked forward to chasing the cows home in the fall; always driving in the back to make sure nothing got left behind. He loved going to the bakery for breakfast every morning and shooting the breeze with the crew and waitresses.

Jeff had a close family who loved and helped him whenever needed. He was ecstatic when Josh married Morgan Klebe of Willow City, ND. He was blessed and proud to become a grandpa to Corbin in 2020 and came over almost every day to visit him. He spent many hours sitting outside with Morgan watching Corbin play, always with a big smile on his face. Several times a week, Corbin snuck over to his house to share a "sip" (a can of Pepsi) with grandpa. Jeff's second blessing arrived in 2023–Judith– who lit up his world with bright blue eyes that matched his, along with the mischievous little smirk that lets you know they're up to no good.

People may assume Jeff was dealt an unfortunate hand in life after his accident, but in reality, Jeff thought the opposite. He felt very lucky to have a life filled with love from family and friends. He never once complained about his disability and how it affected his life–he just adapted and moved on. If we've learned anything from Jeff's life it's to never let a stumble be the end of the road. Life keeps truckin' along.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Norene McNea, brother in-law Ron Tennancour, great-niece Makenzie Milbrath, and great-nephew Wade Waagen. He is survived by his son Josh (Morgan) McNea, his grandchildren Corbin and Judith McNea, his siblings: Carolle Tennancour, Gary (Linda) McNea, Rhonda (Paul) Milbrath, Mel (Michelle) McNea, and Debra (Marc) Nelson, his aunts Jeanne McNea and Marilyn McNea, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews.