Gary Francis Neuman

Obituary of Gary Neuman Gary Francis Neuman passed away November 25th, 2016 at his home after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born April 23, 1943 to Harold and Melba (Richards) Neuman in Fergus Falls, MN. He met his wife Bonita ("Bonnie" Hasbargen) while they both worked for the Fergus Falls, MN movie Theater. They married August 11, 1965. He graduated from Fergus Falls high school in 1961, Fergus Falls Junior College 1963, North Dakota State University, Fargo ND 1966 with a degree in electrical engineering. He received his Master's Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Gary had a rewarding career with the US Army from 1966 until 1999 as a civilian engineer working as a Project Manager for Training Devices (PM TRADE), and the Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM). His engineering expertise in the development of simulations and training systems to meet complex Army training requirements advanced the state of the art in simulation technology, and resulted in the fielding of systems that provided valuable training to our nation's Soldiers. His leadership and professionalism were recognized when he was promoted to Branch Chief. As a supervisor, he provided technical and management guidance to his engineers. More importantly, he served as a mentor to junior engineers and took a personal interest in their professional development and helped them as they advanced their careers. Gary's job took his family to Texas, New Jersey, Michigan and Florida in 1981 where he worked and raised three children. During that time, he wore many different hats! He was a Husband, Dad, Engineer, Boy Scout master, Chaperons for many youth retreats, served on several different church committees, and "Bicycle man". He started a bike program for Redeemer Lutheran Church in Winter Park, Florida for Migrant workers in south Florida. To this day his inspiration still continues on at Redeemer. He enjoyed telling everyone he retired 01/01/00. Gary and Bonnie sold their home and moved to Woodlands Lutheran Camp from Winter Park, Florida. His love for the Lord really blossomed when he worked weekends with Via de Cristo and spending time with his fellow Christians. This lead to working with Lutheran Disaster Response helping people recover from hurricanes, floods, and tornados and working for Laborers for Christ and Mission Builders. This mission work took Gary and Bonnie to many different places for 16 years. He always told everyone he was a tourist because they enjoyed every area they worked. In 2006 they moved to Southern Palms RV Resort, Eustis, Florida to be closer to their children. Gary joined the Southern Palms Church board that provided services for the park. They also belonged to St. Philips Lutheran Church in Mt. Dora. Gary and Bonnie enjoyed many trips with the family. He took his family to visit many different places, as long as he could drive the motorhome there! Gary and Bonnie took a wonderful trip to Norway and found homes of two great grandparents. For their 50th anniversary, they took a great cruise to Alaska with their three children and spouses which turned out to be his last adventure. Gary had many interests in genealogy, photography, and conversing. He spent countless hours visiting relatives and learning their families then documenting his family tree. Gary wouldn't be Gary without a camera in his hand. He loved to document all of his adventures and family. He also enjoyed conversing with people and had the ability to touch people's lives without them even knowing it. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Melba Neuman. He is survived by his wife Bonita ("Bonnie" Hasbargen) and two sons Richard (Lisa) Neuman, Steven (Lisa) Neuman and Daughter Robyn (Todd) Hatch. His brothers Ron (Connie) Neuman, and Paul (Cathy) Neuman. Ten grandchildren Michael (Monique), Sandy, and Stephanie Gwynn. Joseph (Shauna), Alan, and Andrew Neuman. Lisa (Brandon) Pendergrass, Ann Webb, Chris (Kristen) Creech, Jeremi Rutherford. He also has eight great grandchildren. Services will be held at Southern Palms RV Resort, One Avocado Lane Eustis, FL 32726 in the Sun Hall on December 10th, 2016 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to a charity of your choice dedicated to Gary Neuman or mail to 1370 Starlight Circle Eustis, FL 32726 in which his family will choose Gary's favorite charities.

Gary Francis Neuman

April 23, 1943 - November 25, 2016