Michael Ryan Neal, age 48, of Toledo, died on November 19, 2025. After a brief and brutal illness, he died surrounded by love. Michael was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 14, 1977. An accomplished guitarist, Michael had an eclectic taste in music. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding. He also enjoyed target shooting and was an avid reader. Michael loved his home state of Michigan and cherished spending time with his family.
Michael lived his life as a spiritual journey – happily culminating in becoming a Roman Catholic toward the end of his life. Friends and family appreciated (mostly!) his dry sense of humor and remember him for his truly tender soul, his abundant kindness and his tremendous empathy.
Michael is survived by his loving mother – LeeAnn Liebetreu, of Bowling Green, Ohio, as well as aunts Kathleen Shaw, Kelly Shaw (Bill Rhodes), and uncles Tim Shaw (Kate), Kevin Shaw (Bonnie), and Peter Shaw, along with cousins Lena Lawrence, Jolie Lawrence, Billy Shaw, Ann Rhodes, Kit Rhodes, Maggie Shaw, Tim Shaw, Joseph Shaw, Sandi Syrett Wiktorowski, Heather Syrett, Gary Syrett , Chris Shaw, and Jason Shaw. He was preceded in death by step-father Richard Liebetreu and by Ralph Neal.
Calling hours will be held at Dunn Funeral Home, 408 W Wooster St, Bowling Green, Ohio on Sunday, November 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m, concluding with a Rosary Service at 4:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 S. Enterprise Street in Bowling Green Ohio on Monday, November 24 at 11:00 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tough2gether Foundation – Fighting Childhood Cancer, (2201 Columbian Rd, Wamego, KS 66547- Tough2gether.org), an organization supporting families, funding research, organizing collaboration, and navigating pathways. Fighting childhood cancer was a cause close to Michael’s heart.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
