Albert Joseph Hawthorn McNeill, Jr., 1925-2010

MCNEILL, SMITH, HUIBREGTSE, FERRARA, DEAVER

Posted By: Janet A. Brandt (email)
Date: 8/16/2013 at 08:34:50

Albert Joseph Hawthorne McNeill Jr.
May 21, 1925–January 26, 2010

Albert Joseph Hawthorne McNeill, Jr., died Tuesday, January 26, 2010 in Monticello from lung cancer. He was 84 years old.

Albert was born May 21, 1925 at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello, Iowa. He was the son of Albert J. H. McNeill, Sr., and Harriet (Smith) McNeill. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1943, and enrolled briefly at the State University of Iowa. Albert soon enlisted in the US Army, and served in the 102nd Infantry Division. He attained the rank of sergeant, and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery in combat.

Following the war, he returned to the SUI, and earned a degree in Economics. In 1948, Albert married Gail Huibregtse, with whom he raised five children. They were married 61 years.

Albert worked with his father in retail hardware. He became sole proprietor of the family business following his father's death in 1956, and for decades was a staple in Monticello's downtown. Albert sold hardware and bicycles to generations of eastern Iowans, and worked until just weeks before his death. McNeill Hardware will celebrate its centennial year in business in 2010.

Albert was active in the Monticello community. He was a Rotarian for 56 years, and served on the Great Jones County Fair Board for more than 40 years. He was known for his sense of humor, and his love of music. He was a member of the Cedar Rapids New Horizons Band.

He is survived by his wife Gail, his sister, Josephine (Gene) Ferrara of Monticello; daughter Michael Deaver of Pocatello, Idaho, four sons, Mark (Sheila) of Shakopee, MN; David of Monticello; Tom (Brenda) of Plymouth, MN; John of Madison, WI, and nine grandchildren.

His body has been donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. A memorial gathering for family and friends was held from 4 until 8 Monday, February 1, 2010 at the Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Source: Midland Times, Wyoming, Iowa, 5 February 2010

Jones Obituaries maintained by Bruce Lindbloom.
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