Bernard Edwin Neary

Bernard Edwin Neary, the son of Raphael Michael and Louise Emily (Johnson) Neary, was born January 2, 1928, in Treynor, Iowa and died February 15, 2013, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 1 month, and 13 days. Bernard was baptized as a Christian. He attended Treynor Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1946. In the fall of 1946, he enlisted into the United States Air Force. During his tour of duty he served in the Philippines and Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in 1949. Bernard then attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. On September 5, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mary Catron by the Justice of Peace in Des Moines, Iowa. Three children: Michael, Patrick, and Louise were born to this union. Bernard continued studying receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with majors in History, Physical Education, and Science and a minor in English. Later he received in Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Bernard was a classroom teacher and coach in Henderson, Iowa, Ute, Iowa, and Grand Junction, Iowa and later becoming the elementary and Jr. High Principal in 1962. He then became an Elementary Principal in Story City, Iowa. In 1964, they moved to Audubon, Iowa where he became the Curriculum Coordinator of the Audubon and Exira area for eight years. In 1972, they moved to Atlantic, Iowa where he served as the Principal for Jackson and Lincoln Elementary schools until he retired in 1989. They moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas in 1989. Bernard enjoyed golfing and Mary enjoyed fishing. They resided there until returning to Audubon in 1995. He then was employed part time at Kessler Funeral Homes for several years. Bernard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon and had served on the session as an elder and later gave several sermons. Bernard was very involved in the Boy Scout Program while in Audubon. He served as a Scout Leader for many years helping numerous young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He had been a member of the Elk’s Lodge in Atlantic and a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. in Audubon. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, and doing crossword puzzles. He loved to dance and was a voracious reader. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister: Raphael Clark Neary and Kathryn Ann Moss; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Art Wilson, Ralph Vanderpool, Lois Black, Donald Catron, and Charles Catron. Survivors include his wife Mary Neary of Audubon, Iowa; his children: Michael and wife Marci Neary of West Des Moines, Iowa; Patrick and wife Linda Neary of St. Charles, Illinois; Louise Gregory of Raritan, New Jersey; his grandchildren: Meghan and husband Kevin Zierke of Johnston, Iowa; Merilee and husband Charles Fenton of Prairie City, Iowa; Ryan and wife Hannah Neary of Seattle, Washington; Sean Neary of Geneva, Illinois; Erin Neary of Chicago, Illinois; his great grandchildren: Jakeb Fenton and Kayleigh Fenton both of Prairie City; Reagan Zierke and Amelia Zierke both of Johnston; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: James Moss of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Sondra Neary of Atlantic, Iowa; Elvia Vanderpool of Sedalia, Missouri; Beverly Ann Clark of Kansas City, Missouri; Nate and wife Cathy Catron of College Station, Texas; Melvin Black of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. The

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends on Monday evening at 6:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Barbara Christensen on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at 10:30 A.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.