Leslie Neumann

With a life’s journey that spanned nearly a century, Leslie Neumann lived a life of purpose while making his mark on the world around him. He was a salt of the earth sort of man who was hardworking, loyal, and devoted to the people and things that meant the most to him. Alongside the love of his life for nearly 74 years, Leslie witnessed his family tree blossom to include countless branches of loved ones who are a testament to the love he and his wife shared. A man of faith, he served within his church family and the community he called home throughout his entire life in a variety of ways both great and small. Although he will be deeply missed, Leslie leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

Daily life in America during the early 1900s was drastically different from the life we know and love in our nation today. There were unsafe working conditions and growing monopolies to contend with, and since our nation’s youth were more often found in the workplace than they were in the classroom it was the younger generations who often paid the highest price. Jazz music became part of the cultural fabric of our country while silent films provided much of our entertainment. It was just as the year 1916 was coming to a close that a young couple from Alpena, Michigan, was celebrating the birth of their healthy baby boy on December 30th. Leslie H. was one of seven children born to his parents, Ernest and Augusta (Krueger) Neumann. Born and raised in the family home on Ford Avenue, he was joined in his family by his two sisters, Alda and Evelyn, and his four brothers, Ervin, Martin, Ernest, and Harvey. Leslie’s father was a savvy businessman who owned his own business and was also a city official while his mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways Leslie experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He was responsible for his fair share of chores around the house, and he also helped tend to the family’s large garden. Leslie attended Immanuel Lutheran School, Lincoln School, and went on to Alpena High School.

Life was forever changed for Leslie when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Florence Zarske, and it wasn’t long after they began dating that they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together the sweethearts were married on October 5, 1940, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alpena. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home including one daughter, Sylvia, and three sons, Jerry, Dennis, and Randy.

Known for his strong work ethic, Leslie worked throughout the majority of his life. He spent a short time working at the Diamond Alkaline Company, but the majority of his career was spent working for his brother, Martin, at Neumann’s Tire & Battery Shop. There, Leslie was a mentor to many young men as he taught them how to sell a variety of merchandise including candy to small children and all kinds of fishing, hunting, and automotive supplies. During his time there Leslie trained several young workers in how to repair tires and change car batteries as well as how to rejuvenate the charge in a “dead” battery.

As a lifelong resident of the Alpena area, Leslie was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was a member of the choir and served throughout church in countless ways over the years. With an appreciation for the outdoors, Leslie enjoyed hunting deer at the Neumann camp at North Point and family outings at the Zarske farms in Herron.

Through the life of Leslie Neumann we are reminded that life is not about what we have as he made it his focus to live fully while giving what he could to those around him. He was loving, kindhearted, and thoughtful - a true gentleman in every way. Leslie’s path was not without times of trial, but his faith remained strong as he faced whatever came his way head on. He will be deeply missed while the memories he leaves behind remain lasting treasures for all who were blessed to know and love him.

Leslie H. Neumann died on September 27, 2014. Leslie’s family includes his loving wife, Florence; three sons: Jerry, Dennis (Beverly), Randy (Jean) all of Alpena; 11 grandchildren: Timothy, Deborah, Katie, Jason, Jessica, Patricia, Steven, Connie, Allan, Brenda, Christopher; 19 great-grandchildren: Kathleen, Kristina, Kimberly, Brandon, Judah, Avalyn Grace, Ryan, Justin, Russell, Jeremiah, Shawna, Aimee, Tracy, Allan, Dylan, Tyler, Tanner, Nathaniel, Peter; three great-great-grandchildren: Landon, Liam and Isabella. Leslie was preceded in death by his daughter, Sylvia J. Neumann; two sisters: Alda Kann, Evelyn Oles; and four brothers: Ervin, Martin, Ernest and Harvey. Leslie H. Neumann is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends may call on Monday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Erickson officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Deacon Fund. On-line condolences may be registered at www.lifestorynet.com.