Retired Allegan County Road Commission Engineer Manager Frederick “Fred” Neils died Friday, Aug. 17, at the age of 91.
He was born in Detroit Feb. 18, 1933, to Max and Marie Neils.Fred graduated from Melvindale High School in 1950 and entered Michigan State College that fall. He graduated from MSC in 1954 with a degree in civil engineering.
During that time, he met and courted Sally Gardner, who was also a student at MSC. He spent two years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in September 1956 as a first lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.
Fred and Sally were married on April 16, 1955, in East Tawas. They lived in California and Detroit while he completed his service tour. He then accepted a position as an assistant engineer with the Allegan County Road Commission. When the position of Engineer Manager became available in 1963, he applied for the job and was hired in September of that year. Fred held that position until his retirement in 1992.
Fred was president of the Allegan Rotary Club, president of the Congregation of St. John Lutheran Church in Allegan, chairman of the Allegan County Department of Public Works, and vice chairman of the Board of Grand Ravine Senior Housing.
Surviving Fred are his wife, Sally; sons, Eric (Pauline) Neils and Thomas (Stephanie Schaertel) Neils; daughter-in-law, Peggy Neils; grandchildren, Colin (Jackie), Andrew (Sherry), Ruth (Nicholas) and Matthew; great-grandchildren, Vivian and Xander; and many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Frederick; brother, Max, Jr.; sister-in-law, Irmie; sister, Margaret; brother-in-law, Jim; and one nephew.
A memorial service will take place at St. John Lutheran Church, 1764 34th St., Allegan, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31,. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Allegan County Medical Care Community, 3265 122nd Ave., Allegan, or Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan.
