Walter Neumann

Walter J. A. Neumann was born August 3, 1919, the son of Gustav and Katherine Hagy Neumann. He passed away on Monday, December 6, 2010, at his home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of ninety-one.
Walter was born in Denison, Iowa. He was baptized in Christ on September 14, 1919, and confirmed on March 25, 1934, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. He received his elementary education at Zion Lutheran School and graduated there in 1933. On June 12, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa. He served in the 79th Infantry Division as 1st Sergeant. He was most proud of receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, having served during WW II in the campaigns of Normandy, northern France, the Ardennes, and the Rhineland. He received an honorable discharge at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin on November 17, 1945.
On March 10, 1946, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Peruzzi at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. The couple made their home in Denison and were blessed with the birth of three children. From 1946 to 1978 he owned and operated Neumann Firestone. For a few years he also worked for the Denison City Parks.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was important to him and he enjoyed spending time and playing Pinochle with them. From 1958-1963 he coached the Little League Dodgers. Gardening, hunting and fishing were favorite activities. He was a talented boxer and was able to participate in the Golden Gloves matches. He especially enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and also Iowa State athletics whether in person or on TV. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and an original member of the Optimist Club.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arthur Neumann and Carl Neumann; three sisters: Edna Tucker, Hilda Schneller and Rose Doty. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth; three sons: Thomas Neumann and his wife, Carol of Ames, Iowa; John Neumann of Denison and his friend, Cherry and her daughter, Taya of Ankeny, Iowa; and Richard Neumann of Denison; four grandchildren: Amanda, Robert, Amie and David; three great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Bertha Neumann; other relatives and friends.