Edelhard H. Neumann

Edelhard (Ed) Neumann, age 84, passed away Wednesday July 27, 2016. He was currently residing in Jefferson, WI. Born November 7, 1931, he was the son of Edwin & Elsa Neumann, Ashippun, WI. Edelhard married the love of his life, Carol Vinz, June 20, 1955, and is survived by his 5 children: Lon (Donna) Neumann of Greenville, SC, Bonnie (John) Steele of Grand Junction, CO, Daniel Neumann of Coon Rapids, MN, Brenda Neumann of Appleton, WI, and Timothy Neumann of Waterloo, WI. He is also survived by his 3 loving grandsons: Christopher Zimmerman of Edina, MN, Nathanael and Isaiah Neumann of Greenville, SC. Ed grew up on his family farm outside Ashippun, WI. Besides a close bond with his father, his beloved Aunt Wieda and Uncle Art Pagenkopf were also influential in his life. As a child his imagination took flight, captivated by early air shows and crop-dusters sweeping down over the fields which sparked a lifelong love of civil aviation. As a young man, that passion led to adventures piloting Piper Cub airplanes. He also volunteered with the Air Force Reserves and was proud to be one of the first 500 members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Edelhard worked as a farmer and as a factory worker with Fiberesin Industries in Ashippun. He had a passion for inventions and enjoyed people, engaging them with a ready smile and sharing in good natured joshing even as his health failed. He enjoyed traveling with Carol in the US and Canada, with several trips to his favorite place, the Bavarian themed mountain village in Leavenworth, WA. He never met a brat, beer or cheese he didn’t like. While Ed enjoyed attending EAA Fly-ins in Oshkosh, watching NASCAR races (cheering Matt Kenseth, #20), playing Bingo and Sheepshead, nothing made his day more than a spirited round of the board game “Stock Market” with his kids and grandsons, which became a cherished family tradition. He was a good sport, but did show a clear preference for winning to losing. Later in life, Ed found that unique joy that comes with grandkids, and he truly cherished each of them. His life was also blessed in relationships with his brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, and many nephews and nieces. Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, father, Edwin, mother, Elsa, sister, Aloha, brother, Eldred, Aunt and Uncle, Weida and Arthur Pagenkopf, brother-in-laws, and sister-in-laws. As we mourn our beloved Dad and Grandpa, we feel sadness in missing him, but also much gratitude for everyone who provided care for him as his health declined the past several years. We are also grateful for the love of our family and friends who have walked with us throughout these times. Our sincere thanks to administrator, Hillary Holman, and ALL staff at Jefferson Memory Care Center, to Jennifer Farmer with Opportunities Inc., and to Tess Rank and Sheri Heyer with Care WI, all of whom demonstrated expertise, respect, and kindness in the care and services they provided. Words cannot express our profound gratitude to the doctors, especially Dr. Stanek, nurses and support staff on the Neuro Unit at UW Hospital, for the expert care and compassionate presence they provided in Edelhard’s final days. Thank you to Kevin and everyone at Pagenkopf Funeral Home for their professional compassionate service that has brought comfort. We give thanks to God for our Dad and Grandpa, and for God’s Love and Grace expressed through each of you. In lieu of flowers, we request memorials to the family which will be divided between various charities in memory of Edelhard Neumann. Visitation is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, August 13 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 1165 E Summit Ave (Highway 67), Oconomowoc. A memorial service will follow visitation at 1:00 pm.