Obit: Neff, Charles William #2 (1928 - 2012)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Neff, Hemp, Qualley, Manz, Manthey, Patterson, Post, Lautenbach, Brown

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/10/2012

Neff, Charles William (5 March 1928 - 1 October 2012) With Flag

Charles William Neff, 84, of Neillsville died Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, in his home surrounded by a small gathering of family, loving caregivers and friends.

Charles W. Neff was born March 5, 1928, in the Town of Levis, Clark County, on the family farm to Charles W. and Elvira (Hemp) Neff. He married Louella “Lou” Qualley April 28, 1950. He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1945. He signed up under the deferred enlistment program during World War II while still in school. He served active duty service in the army from April 1, 1946 to May 17, 1947. After serving in the army, he returned to the family farm, working the farm with his father throughout his father’s lifetime. He completed the Agriculture Short Course from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and remained friends and in touch with many fellow students. He was proud to be able to buy the farm from his parents and to be a “farmer”.

Following his retirement to town, he worked a variety of jobs, including selling seed corn for Kaltenburg and Tracey Seed companies and also for the Department of Agriculture. He enjoyed traveling throughout Clark County and Wisconsin meting many different people. His most cherished memory was a trip to Alaska, shared with his wife, Lou. Together they marveled at the sights and created wonderful memories lasting a lifetime.

He was a member of the United Church of Christ. He was very active in being part of the church’s men’s club and enjoying the community and friendships of fellow members.

Charles was also a strong supporter of The Highground Veterans Memorial Park, Neillsville. He received the “Spirit of The Highground” award for 2010.

He was proud to be a Mason after being put up for recommendation by his father. He took an active part in his lodge until travel became difficult.

Charles was faced with many difficult challenges, especially in the last 15 years. His attitude always remained positive, which was an inspiration for all who knew him.

He is survived by his sister, Jane (Neff) Manz of Baraboo; his nieces, Donna (James Patterson) Manthey of Madison, Carole Post of Granton, Betty (Norman) Lautenbach of Granton; and three grand nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; his wife Lou; their children, Joseph “Joby” and Kathleen “Kathy”, and his nephews, Darrel and David Manthey.

Funeral services for Charles will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at the United Church of Christ, 515 W. 2nd Street in Neillsville, with Pastor Bill Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. A pie and ice cream social will be served following graveside prayers at the Neillsville City Cemetery.