Bernard-Neiweem-Obituary

Bernard Neiweem

Brookfield, Illinois

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Brookfield, Illinois

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Bernard Neiweem was born in Winnetka, IL in January, 1925 to Joseph and Mary Neiweem (nee Balmas). He worked the farm fields of Winnetka as a boy, captained the New Trier football team and won a Golden Gloves boxing championship. In 1943 at age 18 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps quickly...

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I have said before and I will say it again, Bernard Neiweem is the Greatest Man and Marine that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. I had that honor on the 60th anniversary of the Marine landing on Iwo Jima. Words can not properly express the impression that he made on me.

Bern was a wonderful man who lived a long, full life. Our children still remember sitting on Santa's lap at Bern's and Peggie's Christmas party, unaware that Mr. Neiweem had disappeared from the room right before Santa arrived. The Neiweems front door was always open to the neighborhood and the kids knew Mr. Neiweem kept a stash of candy for those that stopped by to say hello. Adults that hesitated when deciding between red or white, would find themselves holding a glass of each. Refills...

To Peggie and the rest of the Neiweem family, many condolences on the loss of such an exceptional man. We live right across the street, and wish we had stopped in for "happy hour". Bernie invited us all the time. We were lucky enough to see his Iwo Jima memorabilia. My two favorite memories are of seeing Bernie, not knowing anyone was watching, salute the flag on his way inside the house. The second is how he never failed to asked after my dad, knowing that he too is a Marine. Rest in peace,...

Surabachi Memorial, Iwo Jima

I served with his grandson Chris in Iraq, and met Bernard at the 814th MP family day post-deployment. He was one hero among many of the Greatest Generation and it was my Honor to know him. Semper Fi my brother.

Grandpa Bern's legacy of courage,service, and friendship is on a size only comparable to ocean geography. His hand set an example for service and giving that was regularly accompanied by humor and laughter. People looking to impact the world in any meaningful way would benefit from knowing people like him. His family idolized him and rightfully so. A Hardened Marine on the outside and kind hearted man on the inside. He has many common sayings none of which are particularly better than the...

John and Annette, Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

After reading the obituary of your husband/father I decided to sign the guest book to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Although I didn't know him personally, anyone who fought in World War II is someone I would like to recognize. There were similarities in his Marine Corps history that compared to my own father. He too was at Camp Pendelton and was with the 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima. My father, Pfc. James Michels, was one of the marines that raised the 1st flag on Iwo Jima. My...

I'm sorry for Bern's passing, but I'm grateful to have known Bern. One of my favorite memories of Bern was when I invited him to be the lunch speaker at the Chicago Tax Club and tell us about his experiences at Iwo Jima.

He was the consummate old Marine, and gave us a great talk. He told us about the sights, sounds, and many "tough" things he saw. Bern actually witnessed the famous flag raising. It was the first time that I saw that low key organization give a standing ovation to a...

Burn, was an exceptional man whom I had the opportunity to meet through his son John and John's wife Annette. I was blessed to be a guest in their home and he and Peggie always treated me like family. May God Bless his family through this difficult time. My love and prayers to Peggie and her family.