Denis Neumann

Harold Denis Neumann, 81 of Foster City, California, died peacefully, September 10, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold E. and Inez Marie (Johnson) Neumann, and his sister, Ann James. Denis is survived by his wife, Patricia Neumann.

Denis was born on August 5, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was introduced to high speeds and racing by his father, a historically renowned airplane pilot, barnstormer, and cross-country air racer. For Denis this translated into an early life interest in fast hot rod cars. His favorite car was his 1964 Pontiac GTO, a speedster that won many head to head races on the rural roads of Kansas and Missouri.

Denis earned his Bachelor’s Degree in business from Baker University, Baldwin City, KS, in 1960. His first job was as an accountant for U.S. Epperson Underwriting. Then, in 1967, Denis moved to San Francisco and began a career as an appraiser. He began as a staff appraiser with General Appraisal Company. By 1974 he was a senior manager with American Appraisal Company, then the world’s largest appraisal company. Denis specialized in industrial plant and equipment valuations. In 1979 he started his own company, Valuation Associates in San Mateo, California. Denis earned acclaim as an expert in the field of Eminent Domain appraisals. The publication Marquis’ Who’s Who listed him as a noteworthy machinery and equipment appraiser.

Denis was actively engaged in the development of his discipline. He was a member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), American Arbitration Association, International Right of Way Association and Mensa International, among others. He became a Life Member of the ASA after years of dedicated service to the organization. His contributions to the ASA included serving as the San Francisco Chapter President in 1984; Charter and Emeritus member of the ASA Machinery and Technical Specialties Committee; Editor of the MTS Journal; and Contributor MTS Textbook. In addition to speaking at many ASA conferences and seminars, he published numerous articles on the profession and his discipline. Denis retired from the appraisal profession in 2010.

Through a mutual friend, Denis met his future wife, Patricia Ann Mueting. Denis and Pat were married on August 28, 1975 in a ceremony on Mount Tamalpais and lived in San Mateo and then Redwood City. Together, they enjoyed a life of sailing, opera, symphony, yoga, and travel. They loved sailing on a favorite boat, CC Rider, throughout the San Francisco Bay and the California Delta. After Pat retired from her nursing career, they lived in Half Moon Bay and then Foster City. But, they were in constant motion traveling around the country and the world visiting family and friends, sailing, and staying engaged in life. After recent health reversals, Denis and Pat relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska to be near relatives.

Denis was a loving and compassionate man. After retiring, he found his second calling as a hospice volunteer in San Mateo. He was intellectually motivated and had an eclectic array of interests including reading, writing, poetry, jin shin jyustsu (an ancient healing art), car and boat racing, and aviation. Spiritually, Denis was a member of a Urantia Book study group for over 40 years. The group studied the teachings of The Urantia which, to those who’ve read it, is challenging to understand. Being a deeply intellectual person, Denis often shared his interpretations and understandings with his study group.

Denis will be dearly missed by his wife Pat and all who had the privilege of walking with him on his life’s journey. "Well done good and faithful servant."

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, Denis wishes for memorials to be made to Mission Hospice, 1670 S. Amphlett Blvd., #300, San Mateo, California.