Neal Birkeland 42 of Bagley formerly of Gonvick died on Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota of a cardiac arrest.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley, MN with Rev. Gordon Syverson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Samhold Lutheran Cemetery in Gonvick MN. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted with the arrangements.

Neal was born January 30, 1970 in Bagley, MN the son of Arlen and Betty Birkeland. He lived with his parents in Gonvick until the age of 20 when he moved to the Pine Ridge Residence in Bagley where he resided until his death.

Neal enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Clearwater Lake where he enjoyed the water and spending time on the pontoon. He loved the family dog, Mindy. Neal was a participant of the Special Olympics and the activities and outings at the Pine Ridge Residence. He was known for his great love for Pepsi and Coke.

Neal attended the Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley.

Survivors include his father- Arlen Birkeland of Gonvick, MN Brothers- John Birkeland of Gonvick, MN Dean (Teri Zender) Birkeland of Fergus Falls, MN Richard (Julie) Birkeland of New Richmond. WI Sister - Ruth Ann (Craig) Haugen of Becker, MN Half-sisters - Donna J. Ballard of Elk Grove Village, Ill Diane (Craig) Malkovich of Phillips, WI Barbara (Dean Halvorson) Steen of Harwood, N.D. Sandra Danielson of WA Carla Tice of East Grand Forks, MN Neal’s Pine Ridge Residence Family

He was preceded in death by his mother and Half-sister- Peggy Brovold.