Neil Gilbert Unterseher, beloved husband, father, grandfather, musician, artist, athlete, and friend, died on June 20, 2026, at his home in Kiln, Mississippi. He was 86.

Born on February 6, 1940, in Lincoln, NE, Neil was the youngest child and only son of Gilbert and Virginia (Kellogg) Unterseher. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Carole (Wardell) Smith, and is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Haas Unterseher; his daughter, Erika (Matthew) Hahne; his grandchildren, Meryl Virginia (Eric) Cusimano, William Frederick Hahne, and Jack Lawrence Hahne; and his sister, Elaine Goetz (Reggie Pryor).

Music was woven into Neil's life from the beginning. Raised in a family of gifted musicians, he became a self-taught banjoist and classical and flamenco guitarist whose career spanned more than four decades. He opened for Tom Jones on The Ed Sullivan Show, played aboard Mississippi riverboats, and toured internationally with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He was a familiar presence at many New Orleans venues, including Preservation Hall, Mahogany Hall, Fritzel's, Maison Bourbon, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Palace Café, and Your Father's Mustache. He jammed with notable artists, including Janis Joplin.

Neil performed and recorded with his own band, the Razzberrie Ragtimers, and shared the stage with many of the finest traditional jazz musicians of his generation. He held deep admiration for the legendary New Orleans musicians and culture bearers who shaped the city's musical traditions. Neil also accompanied renowned flamenco dancer Teresa Torkanowsky and other local performers. He and Jean performed a flamenco show for the opening of the New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel.

After studying art at the University of Texas, Neil devoted much of his life to creating vibrant and expressive canvases that celebrated musicians and cultural icons, including Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Billie Holiday, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. His works appeared in galleries and exhibitions throughout the region and beyond, including commissioned collections in the U.S. and Europe.

Neil also was a distinguished athlete. At Lincoln High School, he was a three-time Nebraska state tennis champion and an All-State point guard on the school's 1958 state championship basketball team. He captained the University of Texas tennis team, earned All-American honors, advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals, and achieved a national ranking of No. 17. In 2022, he was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Following a brief period in the United States Marine Corps, Neil was offered a position on the Marines' tennis team. He chose a different path, moving to New Orleans to pursue the jazz music he loved.

Neil and Jean adopted their daughter, Erika, in 1970, and family remained at the center of his life. He delighted in sharing songs, stories, paintings, caricatures, jokes, and magic tricks with his grandchildren. His friendships stretched across decades. He maintained close relationships with childhood friends, college classmates, and fellow musicians who stood by him throughout his life, including during the difficult times following Hurricane Katrina. Along the way, he crossed paths with notable figures including his musical hero Ray Charles, but he remained remarkably humble.

A lifelong reader and lover of language, Neil cherished the dictionary and read The New Yorker faithfully. His favorite word was synchronicity, and he delighted in finding meaningful coincidences in everyday life. He devoted time to serving others, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, performing for patients at Notre Dame Hospice, and sharing music with students at Lusher Charter School.

Neil and Jean built a life rich with creativity, adventure, beloved pets, unique cars, laughter, and hospitality.

A celebration of Neil's life will be held in August. Details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to honor Neil's memory by supporting live music and local artists.

Riemann Family Funeral Homes, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the Unterseher family.