Neal Hiram McCleary

Neal McCleary, 83, of Red Wing, died Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at his home. He was born February 11, 1927 in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, the son of James and Helen (Harvey) McCleary. He graduated from Maiden Rock School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy on the destroyer USS McCord during WWII and stayed in the Reserves for four years. He married Ruth Niebeling on December 29, 1954. The couple lived in Chicago and Cottage Grove before moving to Red Wing in 1972. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54 for 45 years, and the Mississippi Golf Links. He was employed by C.B. & Q. and Burlington Northern Railroad for 42 years until his retirement in 1989. He then worked at Food Bonanza part-time from 1989-1997. Ruth died January 16, 2000. Neal enjoyed golf, reading, and playing cards.

He is survived by one son, Jay (Nancy) McCleary of Red Wing; one daughter, Dawn (Larry) George of South St. Paul; 4 grandchildren, Regina (Weston) Edmisten, Nichole (Mark) George-French, Erin George and Anthony (Kelly) George; 5 great-grandchildren; one brother, Keith McCleary and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, his parents and a sister, Audrey Groom.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Brian Scott officiating. Burial with military honors by the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54 will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Neal's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials preferred to Fairview Red Wing Hospice or First Lutheran Church. www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com