Obituary of Charles F. McNeer

Charles F. McNeer, the son of Robert and Barbara (McElwee) McNeer, was born May 14, 1936, in St. Mary’s, Iowa.  He graduated from the Newton Senior High School with the class of 1954.

In 1955, Charles was united in marriage with Elizabeth Farrell.  Charles served in the Iowa National Guard.  He began a successful career with Newton Manufacturing.  Following his retirement, he joined the staff at Westwood Golf Course.  He could often be found caring for flowers around the course.  Charles was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He was a former member of the Newton Jaycees and the Optimist Club.  Charles enjoyed traveling, gardening, fishing, mowing, singing in the church choir and barber shop quartet, camping, wintering with Betty in Arizona, and weekend trips antiquing and staying at bed and breakfasts.

Charles died on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Newton Village Health Care Center.  He was 88 years old.  Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; and his siblings, Robert McNeer, James McNeer, Theresa Clark, Patricia Woody, and Mary Ellen Juett.

Those left to honor Charles’ memory include his children, Steve (Mina) McNeer, Sandy (Mike) Ryan, Paul (Kara) McNeer, and Jen (Joe) Kalisz; his grandchildren, Andrew (Mandi) McNeer, Adam (Shantel) McNeer, Aaron (Loren) McNeer, Megan (Nick) Cross, Sarah (Derrick) Brelsford, Jessie (Tom) Theis, Kole McNeer, Kort McNeer, Evan Smith; his fourteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; and a brother, John McNeer.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton.  A Facebook Live broadcast of the service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on the funeral home Facebook page.  The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 15th at the Pence Reese Funeral Home.  A public vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Memorials may be designated to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to Newton Village and may be left at the church or the funeral home. Special thanks and appreciation to Newton Villiage for providing exceptional care, love and support for Charles and his family since 2017.  Family expresses appreciation for the tender care provided by Suncrest Hospice.