Alois "Al" Neu

Alois "Al" Neu, 82, of Paynesville, died Friday, October 3 at his home in Paynesville. His Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Thursday, October 9 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. (415 Highway 23 Bus W) His visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. www.hafh.org

Al Neu was born on February 21, 1943, to Aloys and Loretta (Kron) Neu in Richmond, Minnesota. He was raised on the family dairy farm near Eden Valley, where he learned the value of hard work early in life. Al was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and graduated from Eden Valley High School in 1961.

On January 15, 1966, Al was united in marriage to Mary Wieber at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Together they were blessed with two children, Don and Melinda.

Throughout the early years of their marriage, Al and Mary moved a few times before settling in Paynesville in 1971, where they built their lifelong home. Over the years, Al wore many hats in his career - working in construction, selling seed corn, and most proudly, owning and operating Neu's Pure H2O in Paynesville. He took great pride in running his own business and serving his community with honesty and care. Al sold the business in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.

A devoted member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Al served as an usher for over 45 years. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, deer hunting, and spending winters in Mesa, Arizona. Above all, Al cherished time spent with his family. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his devotion to his faith, and his genuine care for others.

Al is survived by his wife, Mary of Paynesville; his children, Donald (Lisa Lockwood) Neu of San Andreas, California, and Melinda (Kevin) Boles of Edina, Minnesota; grandchildren: Michelle, Jennifer, Alex, Evan, Emily, Myson, Mia, Hunter, Makayla, McKenna, and Caitlyn; and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Kenneth Neu, Laura (Dave) Stanger, Duane (Ruth) Neu, Bernard (Helen) Neu, and Sandie (Keith) Deadrick; sisters-in-law: Regina Neu, Betty Neu, and Lois Neu; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aloys and Loretta; and siblings: Donald Neu, Corrine Wicker, Richard Neu, Eugene Neu, John Neu, Jerome Neu, Elmer Neu, Ralph Neu, and David Neu.