Lawrence Nels Neumann

Lawrence Nels Neumann, the Minnesota farm boy who rose to lead a major agricultural commodities firm with his unique blend of sharp business acumen and disarming humor, died Feb. 2, 2026, in Austin, Texas due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 85.

Larry was born August 20, 1940, in Princeton, Minnesota to Walter and Marian (Lundblad) Neumann, the fourth of six children. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1961, married Carol Bergman of Hutchinson, MN, and embarked on his lifelong career in agribusiness with Continental Grain, which would take him across Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana. In 1974, he returned to Minnesota, joining Cook Industries and then Porr Corporation before settling at Benson Quinn where he would spend the bulk of his career. As CEO, Larry guided Benson Quinn through an employee stock ownership plan and its eventual sale to Archer Daniels Midland before retiring in 2009.

One hallmark of Larry’s long career was his membership in the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Kansas City Board of Trade, and the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange, through which he built many meaningful relationships over the years. His colleagues on these boards and especially at Benson Quinn would recall his confident and decisive leadership and his keen eye for talent. But even with his big shot titles and impressive responsibilities, what people noticed most about Larry was his genuine heart and his penchant for good-natured ribbing. If he teased you, you knew he liked you.

At home in Wayzata, Minnesota, Larry embraced activities with his children Kim, Sarah, and Paul with his characteristic gusto, whether it was skiing with them at Buck Hill, competing in bass fishing tournaments on Lake Minnetonka, or walleye outings at Lake of the Woods.

In October 1995, Larry married Mary Margaret MacMillan and welcomed her children Ruth and Jack into their blended family. Together, Larry and Mary Margaret established Spirit River Farm in Larry’s hometown of Princeton, creating a beloved gathering place for their family. Following his retirement, he poured his incredible energy into many friends and hobbies in Minneapolis and farming life in Princeton. Whether it was logging thousands of hours on his ever-upgraded John Deere, racing motocross and a Ford spec racer, keeping up with the latest F1 standings, cooking elaborate meals, building birdhouses with his grandchildren, spoiling his dogs, or indulging in his favorite ice cream in the evenings – Larry lived his life full-throttle. He and Mary Margaret enjoyed many adventures at home and around the world, traveling to New Zealand, Russia, China, Cuba, Panama, and all over Europe and the U.S. He delighted in their 7 grandchildren, especially taking them fishing and teaching them all about life on the farm. In 2019, Larry and Mary Margaret moved to Lakeway, Texas, where Larry quickly learned to love Tex-Mex and H-E-B.

A voracious reader and lifelong learner, Larry thrived in intellectual circles and passionate conversations about big ideas and current events. He was active in discussion groups including The Guthrie Group and Mill City Commons in Minneapolis, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Texas, and the Great Decisions group he founded at the Lake Travis Community Library. While he remained a devoted Minnesota Golden Gophers fan throughout his life, he did add some Longhorn burnt orange to the mix after moving to Texas.

Larry was always quick to acknowledge his incredibly charmed life. With that spirit of gratitude, he spoke his mind and always encouraged others, especially in sharing about his 40+ years of sobriety. Larry never missed a chance to express his pride and love for his family with the firmest handshakes, the steadiest advice, and the biggest hugs.

Larry is remembered by his wife Mary Margaret; children Kim and Jeff Rugel (Bristol, Tennessee), Sarah and Mike McGowan (San Francisco, California), Paul and Stacey Neumann (Zimmermann, Minnesota), Ruth and Tommy Connell (Austin, Texas), and Jack Coleman (Austin, Texas); grandchildren John Connell, Elsa McGowan, Oliver Neumann, Betsy Connell, Carson McGowan, Grayden Neumann, and Marit McGowan; and brother and sister-in-law Ron and Joyce Neumann (Princeton, Minnesota). He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and beloved stepmother Florence Linder Neumann; brothers David, Carl, and Kenneth Neumann; and sister Arleen Neumann Smith.

The family will host a memorial service on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis, 14820 Hamilton Pool Rd, Austin, Texas 78738. A celebration of life will be held later in the summer in Princeton, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in Larry's memory or donate to the charity of your choice.