By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
After more than 45 years, Tom Neel, former owner of Lake Lumber, is retiring. A celebration in his honor will be held May 29 from 3-7 p.m. at Lake Lumber. The community is invited to attend to recognize Neel’s career and contributions to the Panora and Lake Panorama community.
The Neel family has a long history in the lumber business. In 1900, George Neel and Sons purchased a lumberyard in Rippey. One son, Leonard, started Neel Lumber in Grand Junction in 1927. His son, Bob, took over the business in 1954. Bob and Dorothy Neel purchased Lake Lumber in 1977 and continued to operate the Grand Junction location until it closed in 1982.
Bob and Dorothy’s son, Tom, joined the business fulltime in 1984, although he had been working there since he was 14 years old. Tom’s wife, Sharon, came on board in 1992. The Neels sold Lake Lumber to Kelvin Hafner in July 2021. Both Tom and Sharon Neel continued to work there after the sale. Sharon retired at the end of 2023. Tom worked at Lake Lumber for another four years after the sale.
“I wanted to help Kelvin out and make sure the ownership transition went smoothly,” Tom says. “I wanted to give him the best start possible.”
Neel says he and Sharon like to travel and have some trips planned in a small RV they own.
“I love the outdoors, so I’m looking forward to more fishing and hunting,” he says. “The thing I enjoyed most about the lumber business is all the people I got to know through the years. Now it’s time to retire and do some of the things we’ve been putting off.”
“Tom’s continued presence at Lake Lumber over the past four years has been an invaluable asset,” Kelvin Hafner says. “His extensive knowledge and experience have greatly benefited our customers, vendors and staff, providing a seamless transition during the ownership change. Tom’s willingness to share his expertise has been a cornerstone of Lake Lumber’s success.”
Hafner says while it is impossible to replace Tom Neel, Lake Lumber has welcomed two new team members to carry forward his legacy. Matthew Fronapfel, who joined the business in February, brings many years of construction and blueprint estimating experience. Chase Timko, who started at Lake Lumber the end of April, has a decade of expertise in the business’ point-of-sale system and building materials.