Donald Neu
DONALD NEU
Donald Neu, 83, peacefully passed away Nov. 6, 2013, in his home surrounded by a loving family.
His courage and strength during a 13-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer made him a model for survival and quality of life. Don was born Aug. 12, 1930, in Stearns County, Minn. He was the eldest of Aloys and Loretta Neu’s 15 children.
Don served in the U.S. Navy for four years, half of which was in submarine service on the USS Tirante. He was a handsome man in a uniform! He married the love of his life, Janette Terwey, on June 10, 1953, and always referred to her as “my bride.”
He received a bachelors degree from St. Cloud Teacher’s College and a Masters of Natural Sciences from the University of South Dakota. He began a teaching career in Bovey, Minn. A phone interview landed him a job at Flathead High School, primarily teaching biology, and serving terms as chair of the science department. During his 25 years of teaching, Don was a valued instructor, consistently sought out as a mentor, and twice recognized as Montana Teacher of the Year.
Looking to build a family farm and teach his children a strong work ethic, in 1965 Don and Janette purchased 60 acres north of Kalispell and established LaSalle Nursery. The nursery flourished to include landscaping, Christmas tree farming, and experimental tree grafting. Don taught his children many skills working in that business, tending livestock and hay fields. He retired at 55 to pursue his passions of hunting, fishing, skiing and traveling.
Don was very active in his religious faith, serving in many positions at St. Matthew’s and Risen Christ Catholic churches, including as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Don was loved and respected by all, and will be fondly remembered for his ready smile and warm “bear” hugs.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers. He is survived by his wife, Janette Terwey Neu, siblings, Corrine (Roger) Wicker, Elmer (Carolyn) Neu, Kenneth Neu, Laura (David) Stanger, Al (Mary) Neu, Duane (Ruth) Neu, Bernard (Helen) Neu, Sandra (Keith) Deidrick, and his children, Gary (Sally) Neu, Diane Brien, Barb (Tim) Dopp, Brad (Christine) Neu, Bob (Susan) Neu, Mary (Wolfgang) Runde, Lee Ann Neu, Paula (Todd) Witt, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandsons.
Memorials can be made to: Flathead Industries, Box 1916, Kalispell, MT. 59903, the Knights of Columbus, c/o Ron Bauer, 2403 Mission Trail, Kalispell, MT. 59901, or the charity of your choice.
Prayer services for Donald were Nov. 10, 2013 at at Risen Christ Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 11, 2013, with Father Stan Rog as celebrant. Burial followed at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.