Jeffrey "Jeff" Paul Naill

Jeffrey (Jeff) Paul Naill, 83, of La Crosse, Wisconsin passed away at home with Mary, Significant Other at his side on November 2, 2026 after battling kidney disease and related complications.

Jeff was born March 12, 1943 to Maurice and Shirley Guieke in Beloit, Illinois. During earlier years of child hood he experienced homelessness when traveling westward with his parents looking for work sleeping in the car at night and eating meals at camp-site and eventual temporary settling in California. He later returned to Illinois with his parents, and completed grade school at Harlem Consolidated Schools and graduated at Harlem Consolidated High School, Machesney Park, IL in 1961 where he excelled in Football and Basketball and also a love for music played the trumpet and sang in the school choir.

Jeff continued education attending Northern Illinois University Dekalb (NIU), IL graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education in May, 1966, and later attended and graduated from University of Wisconsin La Crosse, WI with a degree in Master of Science in Education in August, 1975.

While attending NIU Dekalb Jeff continued his passion for music playing bass electric guitar and singing in a musical trio “The Tradewinds” at local night clubs in the Rockford, Illinois area.

After a brief employment at Jewel Grocery Foods in Illinois, Jeff moved to La Crosse in August, 1969 employed at Western Technical College (WTC) instructing courses in the Marketing program, and active participation with students in DECA competing in sales and marketing contests with other vo-tech schools in Wisconsin. He later served as Associate Dean and Interim Dean in Business Division at WTC until retiring March 2000 after 30 years of service.

Jeff also served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and honorably discharged in August, 1971, followed by Stand-By Reserve status.

Jeff held passion for bass fishing and participated in competitive Bass Fishing Tournaments with many successes. He was also selected to the Pro-Staff for Lowrance Electronics and enjoyed 25+ years working at tri-state sports shows and sporting goods stores promoting the company’s navigation and fish finding graphs for fishing and pleasure boats. During tenure with Lowrance he acquired many acquaintances and long-standing friendships around the country. Being on the water and looking for a good fishing spot was his competitive nature

Jeff also enjoyed a variety of interests namely metal detecting, downhill skiing, golfing and motor cycling on his Harley Davidson bike. After retirement from WTC he worked part time likened to these interests as bar manager and night manager at Mount La Crosse Ski Lodge, selling motorcycles at La Crosse-Onalaska Harley Davidson, a Starter at Cedar Creek Golf Club, selling fishing boats at American Marine and Holmen Marine.

Jeff also enjoyed working at area gun shows selling tactical flashlights and headlamps to; and was given title of “The Illuminator” by fellow vendors at these shows enjoying the camaraderie.

Aside from many interests, Jeff could also be seen singing his favorite songs at local establishments having Karaoke nights.

Jeff enjoyed being with family during the holidays and special celebrations; and also treasured 38 years together with Mary traveling, fishing, sharing his interests, and quiet times together.

Cherishing his memory are Significant Other Mary Degenhardt, sisters Kathy Hass, Lynda (Jerry) Melcher, niece Kim (Brian) Hale, nephews Chris (Tracey) Melcher, and Michael Puffer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Shirley Naill.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the near future for friends and family to honor Jeff’s legacy.  Blaschke and Schneider Funeral Home is assisting his family with arrangements.

Memorials can be sent to:

National Kidney Foundation Wisconsin Chapter

10909 W. Greenfield Avenue, Suite 201

West Allis, WI 50214

Or

City of La Crosse Police K-9 Unit Program Fund

601 7th Street North, Suite 203

La Crosse, WI 54601

(or the online donation portal)