HERSCHER – Neil Theodore Ahern, 75, of Herscher and formerly of Campus, passed away April 21, 2020 at Amita Saint Mary’s Hospital. He attended Cabery grade school and was a 1963 graduate of Kempton high school. He was employed as a pressman at RR Donnelley printing in Dwight for 35 years. Neil honorably served our country in the US Army during the Vietnam war. He received commendation medals for heroism. He is survived by two brothers:  Francis (Rose) Ahern of Herscher and Tom (Naomi) Ahern of Chicago; two sisters: Theda Pazdur of Newport Beach, California and Kathy (Joe) Meisenbach of Kankakee; nephews: Joe (Tammy) Ahern, Ryan (Angie) and Theo Ahern, Paul Ahern, Mark (JoAnne) Pazdur, and Jonathan Meisenbach; nieces: Lynn (Terry) McGinnis, Haydin and Kate Pazdur; and step-nieces: Taylor and Nikki Doust. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Leona Pedersen Ahern; and a brother-in-law, Edward Pazdur. He enjoyed driving his red pickup truck through the countryside. He was a passionate sports fan and followed college basketball closely. He was a big Illini fan. Neil also liked game shows. One of his simple joys was mowing his lawn. He was always very generous with his time supporting his extended family. Neil was a person who did not need many worldly things. His personal philosophy was “it is what it is.” There will be a private family funeral due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Memorial mass and military honors will be rendered at a later date. His internment will be in Sacred Heart cemetery, Campus, Illinois. His family will miss him dearly. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or AMITA St. Mary’s Hospital Cancer Center.