Bellville Times

Kermit Neumann, 85, of Houston passed away May 13, 2004. He was born June
16, 1918, in Colorado County near Frelsburg, to William Ferdinand and
Mathilda Veolkel Neumann. After graduating from New Ulm High School, he took
a business course, which qualified him to serve in the Army Air Corps as a
radio telegraphy operator in World War II. During a furlough from his
service in the Caribbean, he was married in San Antonio on April 11, 1944,
to Rose Lee Riniker of Bellville.
After four years of service, Kermit and Rose Lee moved to Houston,
eventually purchasing a home in the Spring Branch area. He was a charter
member of the Spring Branch-Memorial Optimist Club and life member of
American Legion 442. Kermit worked at Mosher Steel Company and retired at
the age of sixty-five. Retirement enabled Kermit to enjoy his hobbies. He
and Rose Lee kept a large organic garden, and Kermit developed an interest
in bee keeping. The honey from his hives was a family favorite.
He was also an accomplished woodworker and carver, producing numerous pieces
for his family, including furniture, clocks, rocking horses, doll furniture,
clocks, animals, and birds. In a touching portrait of his generosity, it is
hard to remember everything Kermit made because almost all of it was given
away. Reflected in his hobbies and interests was Kermit's curiosity with how
things worked.
Kermit is preceded in death by his brother, Willard Neumann; sisters,
Angelina VinSant and Vernice Krueger; and granddaughters, Willow and Lauren
Shaw.
He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Rose Lee; his children, Rod
Neumann and wife Jan, Cheryl Snyder and husband Mike, and Rosanne Shaw and
husband Mel; his nine grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Kristen
Neumann, Melody Neumann, Daniel Neumann, Michelle Snyder, Tracy Snyder, Amy
Hippel and husband Heath, Bethany Shaw, Joyelle Shaw, and Suzanne Shaw; and
sisters, Lucille Neuendorff and husband Leland of Columbus, and LuJane
Hedvall and husband Al of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Family and friends were received at a visitation on Friday, May 14. Funeral
services were held Saturday, May 15, at 2 p.m. at Waltrip Funeral Home with
a memorial service to follow at New Ulm Cemetery.
Funeral services under the direction of Waltrip Funeral Directors, Houston. 

Posted by Joy Neely