November 12, 1919 - February 12, 2003

A memorial service for longtime Burt County Surveyor Joe P. Neary, 83, was held Saturday, February 15, 2003, in Tekamah.  Neary served as county surveyor from 1955 until his retirement in January 1999.  He died Tuesday, February 12, at his home in Tekamah following a brief illness.

He was born November 12, 1919, in Decatur to Martin G. and Helen (Tellifero) Neary. 
After graduating from Decatur High School in 1937, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, at Goodyear in California during World War II and then worked for the Corps of Engineers.

While in the CCC he worked on Mt. Rushmore.  In this years with the Corps of Engineers he helped survey dam sites on the Missouri River including Garrison, Chamberlain, Fort Randall and Gavin's Point.  He also helped survey the town site for Pickstown, SD.

In addition to serving as county surveyor, Neary also was Burt County Highway Superintendent for several years.

He married Dona J. Nelson in Nebraska City on February 2, 1945.  They lived most of their lives in Tekamah.

Neary was a member of Tekamah Masonic Lodge No 31.

Following his retirement from the county, at age 79, Neary continued his private survey work.  He also enjoyed working on his garden and lawn.

He is survived by his wife; daughters and sons-in-law, Patty and Dr. Steve Parks, Fresno, CA, and Drs. Kathleen and Jobe Fix, Birmingham, Al; son Donald, Tekamah; daughter-in-law, Brenda Cornelius, Omaha; brother Del, Atlantic IA; sister, Helen Burt Bucy, Tekamah; grandchildren, Nancy and Ben Parks, Graham, Kort and J. Andrew Neary, and Alexander, Elizabeth and Andrew Fix; and great-granddaughter, Ella Elise Neary.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lonnie.

Father Lyle Martin of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Blair officiated Saturday's service at Hamel-Peck-Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah.

Memorials may be directed to Tekamah Fire and Rescue or charity of choice.

A private inurnment is planned at Decatur Cemetery at a later date.