Fred G. Neu

World War I

Fred Neu was born in Templeton on November 20, 1899, to Peter and Cecilia (known as Mollie) (Jackley) Neu. Peter Neu was born in Luxembourg and came to America in 1868. He was married in Illinois and the couple came to Carroll County in 1880. He would become vice-president of Farmers Savings Bank in Templeton, was president of the school board and had extensive land holdings. He died in 1910.

Fred Neu received his early education in Templeton. He enlisted in the US Navy on October 9, 1918, while at the University of Iowa. He was the youngest Templeton resident to join the service during WWI and also the only one to serve in the US Navy. Iowa records indicate he entered the service from Templeton. He was assigned serial number 2986920.

The Armistice was declared in Europe on November 11, 1918, which eliminated the need for a build-up in US forces. By December 20, 1918, Fred was discharged from the Navy as a seaman apprentice. Records indicate Fred has some continuing obligation to the Navy, possibly as a reserve. His commitment was completed by September 30, 1921.

With his December, 1918, discharge, he enrolled in Drake University in January, 1919. He would ultimately graduate from Notre Dame University in the early 1920’s. On December 26, 1925, Fred married Vivian Browne and the couple settled in Des Moines. He was employed by Ballard-Hassett Company, an investment banking firm. He rose to the position of Secretary. In the early 1950’s, he formed his own investment banking firm (Neu & Company) with his brother Harold.

Fred spent winters in Florida after retirement and he died in Naples, FL on March 27, 1977 at age 77. He was buried in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.