Clinton, IA - Neville "Hoot" Victor Hertensen, 96, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away at the Alverno on Monday, July 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Funeral services take place at 12 pm on Friday, July 24, at Lemke Funeral Homes - South Chapel. A visitation occurs one hour prior from 11 am until the service hour at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Neville Hertensen during this difficult time.

He was born on July 23, 1929, to Thyra and Lawrence Hertensen. On April 20, 1952, Hoot married the love of his life, Ardelle Johnson. Together they built a remarkable life centered on family, hard work, and unconditional love. Earlier this year, they celebrated 74 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring devotion to one another.

Hoot was a dedicated employee of the garment industry, where he worked for 33 years, retiring as the manager of the cutting room. He took great pride in his work and was respected for his leadership and commitment.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ardelle; his three daughters, Vicki (Daniel) Horwath, Julie (Ray) Buettner, and Gayle (Dave) Paulsen; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of his life.

At the age of 16, Hoot contracted polio, leaving one of his legs paralyzed. Rather than allowing it to define him, he met every challenge with determination and quiet grit. He never used his disability as an excuse, riding bicycles, shooting basketball layups, and living life with a resilience that inspired everyone who knew him.

Hoot found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening, mushroom hunting, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and especially Christmas, a season he embraced with childlike enthusiasm.

Some of his family's most treasured memories were made at his property on Long Lake, Minnesota, where generations gathered. There, he spent countless hours taking his grandchildren fishing, out on the water, and simply enjoying every moment together. Those days created memories that will live on for a lifetime.

More than anything, Hoot will be remembered for the way he made people feel. His home was always open, filled with love, laughter, and the comforting knowledge that you belonged there. Whether you stopped by in the middle of the afternoon or late at night, you were always welcomed with a smile and boisterous laughter. He had a remarkable gift for making every person who walked through his door feel like they were the most important person in the world.

His legacy is not only one of perseverance and hard work but of generosity, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a family forever shaped by his example and countless memories that will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and gratitude for years to come.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Fond memories and condolences for Neville's family may be expressed at www.lemkefuneralhomes.com obituary page or on Lemke Funeral Homes Facebook page.