Hill City -- Harold Sterling Neff, 81, retired for the third and final time on December 7, 2008. He was born April 27, 1927 to George Howard and Florence Neff of Lodgepole, NE. He attended school in Sidney, NE and served in the U S Navy during WWII. He worked for many years as a line foreman and later as an engineer for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. After his retirement from "Ma Bell" he began another career with AG Edwards and then retired for the second time; this time to his Sheridan Lake retreat. During his life he dabbled in a number of enterprises ... farming, ranching, excavation, business and the stock market. He particularly liked attending auctions and making a good deal. He always had a creative use planned for the treasurers he found. He was a member of the Elks and VFW. Harold Married Sharon Heinbaugh on May 10, 1952 in Rapid City. They bought a vintage house which they moved from town to Rapid Valley and then spent many years renovating. This is where they raised their five children. Later they moved to Johnson Siding and eventually to Hill City. Harold is survived by his sister, Donnie Neff, Albuquerque, NM, three sons, Eldon Passard, Denver, CO, Doug (Charlotte) Neff, Redwing, MN and Bob (Debi) Neff, Clermont, FL, three daughters, Georgiana Neff, Hill City, Sue (Steve) Jarvis, Hill City and Wanda (Mark) Larson, Mantorville, MN. He is also survived by multitudes of grandchildren and great grandchildren and life long friends. During his final years at Fountain Springs Health Care Center he had a special little friend named Jessica who gave him many hours of joy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sharon, sister Betty, nephew, Chris Brady and an infant great grandson, Christian Keyte. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Landon officiating. Lunch will follow at the VFW post 1273, 420 Main St. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 at 1:00 Monday, Dec. 15. A memorial has been established to the Telephone Pioneers Blue Bell Council.