Services for Floyd Neuschwander
Fri, 02/01/2019 - 11:49am
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Floyd Neuschwander, 91 of Grygla, MN passed away in his sleep on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the home of his daughter & granddaughters in Thief River Falls, MN surrounded by his loving family where he resided for the past four months. Floyd was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed and will always be cherished. Our “Papa” as he is lovingly called by his grandchildren, was a gentle soul with a kind heart. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 4, 2019 at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Grygla, MN with Father Adam Hamness presiding. Burial will follow at St. Clement’s Cemetery near Grygla, MN. Military honors will be provided by Grygla American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and United States Navy Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM with a 3:00 PM prayer service on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Monday at St. Clement’s Catholic Church.
Floyd Willard Neuschwander was born on March 16, 1927 in Ipswich SD, the son of William John and Palma Victoria (Windsnes) Neuschwander. Floyd was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Faith as an adult. After Floyd completed first grade in Appleton MN, they moved and settled on a farm in Valley Township, Marshall County, MN, west of Grygla where he attended country school.
After graduating Goodridge High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Floyd was a life-time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. With the money he had sent home to his mother, after being Honorably Discharged, he was able to purchase his truck and began local hauling. In addition to logging, Floyd later purchased a drag-line and dozer and began ditching projects for area farmers .
On October 26, 1963 Floyd was united in marriage to Phyllis Elizabeth Kiesow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls MN. They resided at their farm in Valley Township, Marshall County rural Grygla, MN, where they raised four children, MaryLee, Bill, Bob and Michael. They owned and operated small grains and beef cattle.
In 1966 he began work for the Great Northern Railroad. Through his career, Great Northern Railroad became Burlington Northern and eventually Burlington Northern Santa Fe. His jobs included carpenter, foreman of the bridge crew and later became a bridge inspector. Although Floyd retired in 1997, he maintained lasting friendships with the crews he worked with.
Following retirement he worked on his farm and travelled 80 miles round trip daily to babysit his granddaughters. He often joked about how he didn’t know what work was until he retired. We kept our beloved papa on his toes. He also taught his grandkids how to drive at a young age, even if it resulted going into the fields. He loved his garden, his shop, carpentry, puzzles, auctions, sales barns, watching the Twins, Hee Haw reruns and most of all his grandchildren. It was his dream of becoming a grandfather and he worked so hard to never let any of his grandkids down. Floyd was always willing to give a helping hand, a smile and a witty joke that always made everyone’s day. Floyd had a talented passion for wood working. He was well known for his cedar chests and lovingly presented one to each of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Floyd was an active member of St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Grygla, MN where he designed and built many pieces of the altar furniture, cabinets and various other pieces throughout the building. He fought a courageous battle with cancer and was strong until the very end. Papa now sits on the right hand of the Father with his beautiful granddaughter, Victoria, where there is only peace and joy.
Loved ones left to mourn are his loving wife of 55 years, Phyllis of Grygla, children MaryLee Molstad of Thief River Falls, MN, Bill (Lolit) Neuschwander of Grygla, MN, Bob Neuschwander of Grygla, MN, Mike (Leigh) Neuschwander of Eagan, MN; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Molstad, Abigail Molstad, Natalie Neuschwander, Nathan Neuschwander, Krystal Neuschwander, Brayden Neuschwander, Kendall Neuschwander; Duane Molstad father of Kaitlyn, Victoria & Abigail; sisters-in-law, Lois (Alden) Hylland, Irene Kiesow & Theresa Mutnansky; brother-in-law, Charlie (Louann) Kiesow; godchildren, Kathy Nelson, Lynn Miller & Alan Kiesow; many nieces, nephews, neighbors, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Victoria “Tori” Paige Molstad; parents, William and Palma; brothers Lawrence (Arlyne) Neuschwander & Vernon Neuschwander; brothers-in-law, Paul Kiesow, Lawrence Kiesow & Paul Mutnansky; nephews, Dean Kiesow & Jim Mutnansky; great-nephew, Matthew Mutnansky; and lifelong friend, Otto Hagen.
A Special thank you to Father Hamness, Dr. Okoro, Dr. Seeger, Melissa Fox and all of our family & friends for the prayers, support & wonderful care provided to Floyd & our family.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
