Derwin ‘Dick’ Neerhof

Dick Neerhof, age 92, of Port Washington, was called to his heavenly home on Oct. 1, 2021, with family by his side. He was happily reunited with his sweetheart Mary for their heavenly dance together.  

Dick Neerhof was born April 12, 1929, in Sheboygan, Wis., the son of  Derwin and Ida Neerhof of Cedar Grove, Wis.  

After losing Ida to tuberculosis in 1931, Derwin married Mabel (Wynveen) Neerhof in 1934, who became a devoted mother to “Junior.” Derwin and Mabel added to the family when Ruth became a little sister to Junior in 1936.  

Dick grew up in Cedar Grove and was always a key support to his father on the farm. He also loved to go fishing in the Onion River, which ran along the edge of the farm.  

After graduating in 1947 from Cedar Grove High School, he began his working career before he and several of his local buddies enlisted in the Army in 1948, where he proudly served until 1951. His training as a medical technician was extremely valuable during his assignment in Korea.   

After his honorable discharge from the Army and his return home from Korea, it was a short two days before he was introduced to his future bride, Mary Ansay. Dick and Mary were introduced by mutual friends that set up a blind date because they knew this was a perfect match. Their first date was at the American Legion in Port, where they doubled with the couple that arranged the introduction. The night was perfect until Dick leaned over to kiss Mary while driving through Port, resulting in a trip to the hospital for the crew of four. Despite the accident, the lovebirds remained devoted to each other.  

On June 16, 1956, Dick married the love of his life, Mary Ansay, at St. Mary’s Church in Port Washington.  

Their married life together began on North Powers Street in Port, where they also started their family while designing and then building their home at 424 W. Oakland Ave.  

In the spring of 1960, they moved into their dream home, where they lived for 58 years until moving to Lincoln Village in June 2018 and subsequently in August 2020 to Chaska, Minn., to be closer to family that had relocated to Minnesota.  

They loved their home in Port Washington and the wonderful view of Oakland Green Park. The family dedicated a bench in the park so that others can share their passion for the park. Please visit if you can.  

Both Dick and Mary loved their life in Port Washington, including a very active social schedule. They enjoyed their many fun friends and especially found pleasure in dancing and music. Dick’s smooth style inspired a grand compliment from a member of one of their favorite bands when he commented on Dick’s light feet and said, “Smoothest dude on the dance floor.”  Dance club, supper club, sheepshead card club and Friday night fish fry events were staples in their social calendar.

Dick started his working life in Cedar Grove at a local foundry before he joined the Army. After returning from Korea, he worked for Simplicity Manufacturing in Port before he decided to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit and run his own business when he became Port Washington’s favorite milkman as the owner and operator of People’s Dairy.  

After 12 years of serving the community with home delivery services, he sold the company to pursue other interests, which included a short partnership in a dry cleaning business in downtown Port.   

He then combined his love of people and passion for food when he joined Mueller Food Co. After over 20 years with Mueller/Kraft, he retired at the age of 62.  

But wait, there’s more! His love of golf took him to Hawthorne Hills and he was asked to join the team. Dick was amazed when he celebrated 20 years at the golf course. He never expected to enjoy a career after a career, but being at the golf course was never really work for him.

Dick and Mary lived a truly charmed life in Port Washington. Family and friends were the top priority in their life. Dick loved singing with his friends in the barbershop group and he enjoyed a longtime bond with his Tuesday night poker buddies, which lasted for 56 years when he handed the lead to others in the group who continue to get together regularly.

Dick was a man of strong faith and a longtime active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish (St. John XXIII), where he contributed in numerous ways to support parish functions.  

He is survived by his two children, Paul (Conni) Neerhof of Salem, S.C., and Julie Delene  (Jerry Sykora) of Eden Prairie, Minn.; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Josh) Ortmeier, Ashley (Chase) Hassold and Nick Neerhof; and four great-grandchildren, Aidan Ortmeier, Maximilian Ortmeier, Addison Ortmeier and Charlie Hassold.    

Dick is further survived by his sister-in-law Pearl (Bob) Houston and brother-in-law Ron Mentink, as well an abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his infant granddaughter Mary McCoy, his parents and five siblings, including Harvey (the late Elaine) Ansay, Donald (the late Eleanore) Ansay, Marcella (the late Donald) Wittkopp, Delores (the late Henry) Kowalski and Loretta (the late Jim) Croatt.   

A private celebration of life will be held in Minnesota with immediate family and a larger celebration is being planned in Port Washington in spring 2022.  

 Interment will be at a Neerhof family site at Union Cemetery in the Town of Holland, Wis.  

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s XXIII Catholic Parish or the Port Washington Food Pantry.
www.washburn-mcreavy.com
Edina Chapel  (952) 920-3996