Myrtle Neumann

Myrtle Bertha Eldora (Richter) Neumann, age 95, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, died Friday, December 16, 2011, at Avera Yankton Care Center in Yankton, South Dakota. She was cremated at her request.
Myrtle was born March 6, 1916 in Friberg Township, Minnesota to Otto F. and Bertha Anna (Buchholz) Richter. She grew up and attended school in Friberg Township. She was baptized and then confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. On June 17, 1934, Myrtle married Claude Neumann, also at Immanuel. After their marriage, they lived in Gary, Indiana where Claude worked in the steel mills. During World War II, the family returned to Minnesota while Claude worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Alaska, Greenland and Iceland. After the war Claude opened a repair shop in Dalton. Then sold it and went to work for Peter Keewick building Garrison dam. In the mid 50’s they moved to Britt, MN where Claude was the REA shop foreman. Claude died in 1962 and the family moved back to Fergus Falls. Myrtle worked as a Nurses Aid for Lake Region Regional Hospital and was there for many years. She continued to live in Fergus Falls, Minnesota until September of 2011 when she suffered a stroke. She was moved to Yankton to be close to her son, Steve. Myrtle loved fishing, canoe trips with Claude, barn dances, gardening, crocheting, baking and going to rummage sales. Most of all, she loved her family. She loved to visit with them and reminisce about the past. Some of her fondest memories were of her parents and growing up on the family farm. She loved to visit with guests and rarely did anyone get out of her house without being served coffee, cookies or lunch. Always positive, she had a smile for everyone. She reminded her grown children to always be happy, laugh, and thank God everyday. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Myrtle is survived by five children: Phyllis (Ed) Bernstein of Boynton Beach, Florida, Donald Neumann (Fran Coppinger) of Hermiston, Oregon, Linda (Mel) Johnson of Clements, California, Bruce Neumann (Denise Klimp) of North Fort Myers, Florida, and Steve (Tammy) Neumann of Yankton, South Dakota; seven grandchildren; Karen (Tim) Fogarty, Julie (Pete) Jordan, Eric (Judy) Neumann, Alan DeLagoon, Sunny Neumann, Luke Neumann and Cole Neumann. Three great grandchildren, Gray Johnston, Jill Johnston and Noah Jordan. Nieces, Vivian Kugler, Margie Hefner, Charlotte Meskis, Lorraine Olson, Joyce Nichols, Jane Miller, Joann Schultz and Donna Thunselle. Nephews, William Richter, Jr., Kenneth Enstrom and Dennis Olson. The names of her friends would fill this page, and they include many who held a special place in her heart, especially Dave Richter, Ben (Bennie)DeLagoon, Don Harmon, Birdie Whipps and Juneal Peterson.
Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents; husband Claude, infant daughter Beverley, two brothers,(and sister in-laws) Bill(Katherine)Richter, Otto R.(Corrine)Richter and five sisters, (and brother in-laws) Lydia(Ted) Palmquist, Emma(Roy)Nelson-Seeba, Hattie(Bob)Enstrom, Agnes(Morris) Halverson, and Hulda (Pete) Olson. Sister-in-law Dagny Allen,. Nieces, Viola Johnson-Harmon, Sharon Rund, Florence Freidrich, Nephews - Gerald Richter, Eldon Halverson and Charles Richter.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls. Local arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.