Robert Wencil Neumann

Robert W. Neumann, age 86, of Angola, Indiana, formerly of Mason, Michigan, passed away peacefully from complications of a heart attack on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on July 29, 1938 in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania to the late Robert and Lucille (Schmid) Neumann.

Robert served for many years in Public Relations for the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Agency as Information Coordinator.

During his career at MSU he was heavily involved in all aspects of promoting agriculture. His most significant contributions were to the education and outreach to farmers. He was a driving force behind the creation of AgExpo a significant educational opportunity for farmers across the state of Michigan to learn and see first hand innovations in the agricultural industry. He was also responsible for disseminating information during the PBB crisis and when the gypsy moth first invaded the state.

After 26 years at MSU, Bob retired and moved to Indiana with his wife. He became very active in the Angola community. He was the volunteer coordinator for local American Red Cross blood drives. He was active in the Master Gardeners group and could be found staffing the information booth during the Farmers Market every summer. Bob also volunteered many hours for the Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District. He was a dedicated weather observer for CoCoRaHS of the National Weather Service in Indiana and was recognized in 2024 for making over 6,000 weather reports.

Bob was an avid gardener and enjoyed canning and preserving all types of vegetables, fruit and meats. He enjoyed many happy hours on his beloved tractor.

He married Kimberly Marshell on October 1, 1988 in Marshall, Michigan.

Survivors include his wife, Kimberly Neumann, children, Robert Neumann of Mason, Michigan, David (Sarah) Neumann of Clarksville, Tennessee and Jeanine Neumann of Muskegon, Michigan, and grandchildren, Isaac, Grace and John.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Donald Neumann.

Visitation will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm Friday, January 10, 2025 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the Salvation Army.