Donald Neu, 83

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. 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 bachelor of science degree from St. Cloud Teachers 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 State 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, and 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 and Roger Wicker, Elmer and Carolyn Neu, Kenneth Neu, Laura and David Stanger, Al and Mary Neu, Duane and Ruth Neu, Bernard and Helen Neu, and Sandra and Keith Deidrick; his children, Gary and Sally Neu, Diane Brien, Barb and Tim Dopp, Brad and Christine Neu, Bob and Susan Neu, Mary and Wolfgang Runde, Lee Ann Neu, and Paula and Todd Witt; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandsons. 

Memorials can be made to Flathead Industries, P.O. Box 1916, Kalispell MT 59903, Knights of Columbus, c/o Ron Bauer, 2403 Mission Trail, Kalispell MT 59901, or the charity of your choice.

Prayer services for Donald will be held at 7 p.m. today, Nov. 10 at Risen Christ Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 with the Rev. Stan Rog as celebrant. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Donald’s family.