William Richard Neher, Jr.

William (Bill) Richard Neher, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2025 at the age of 82. Born in Des Moines, IA, and preceded in death by parents W. Richard and Kathleen F. Neher, he is survived by his beloved wife Ann, son Kevin, daughter Kelly Schamberger, brother Timothy, sister Cynthia Martindale, and granddaughters Shylah and Denali. Neher graduated from Wabash College with a B.A. in German, and earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Minnesota. He taught at Breck School, served in administration at the University of Minnesota, and then became Director of Education for Rasmussen Business Colleges. He also managed computer-based education product development at Control Data before founding Concourse Corporation, where he served as CEO. He became Chapter President and then Regional Director of the American Society for Training and Development, and contributed as National Commissioner of the Accrediting Commission for Independent Colleges and Schools. He later founded a private consulting firm to provide guidance and expertise in organization and management development. As a second degree black belt in the martial arts, Neher taught Shorei-ryu karate and was a nationally and internationally-ranked competitor and champion. He traveled extensively, enjoyed competing with his son and daughter, and made many dear friends in his "karate family." In weapons defense, he reached the rank of Cane Master, served as Director of the Cane Master's International Association, and was inducted into the World Sokeship Family Council's International Hall of Fame and Masters Hall of Fame for his lifetime contributions to the martial arts. In retirement, Neher served his community through multiple Masonic organizations, and volunteered as Board Member and Secretary of RiteCare Minneapolis-St. Paul, a foundation funding speech pathology treatment for children. Bill came from an extraordinarily talented musical family, played the trombone in high school, sang in church choirs, and could play the piano beautifully by ear. He is remembered by family as a gourmet chef, brilliantly intelligent man, hilarious comedian, devoted husband, doting dad, and gifted confidant who made friends everywhere he went and deeply valued the power and necessity of education, love, support, and compassion. Funeral service will be held February 8 at Peace Lutheran Church, 8600 E. Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington, MN. Visitation begins at 11am, service at 12pm, with refreshments following. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to CAP (Community Action Partnership) of Scott County. capagency.org/donate

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William Richard Neher, Jr.

January 15, 2025

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