Lawrence P. Neumann

Lawrence P. Neumann died peacefully in his sleep with his wife Bonnie and daughter Lona by his side on February 11, 2018 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Care in Streator, Illinois. A life-long Streator resident and civic leader, Mr. Neumann spent the last 8 years of his life courageously battling Lewy Body Dementia and complications from open-heart surgery.

He approached his Lewy Body Dementia diagnosis by seeking out noted authorities on the disease and immersing himself in research, finally becoming an advocate by sharing his experience with others. He was featured in the Chicago Tribune as well as several other nationally syndicated publications. He chronicled his LBD journey in hopes of finding a future cure. As part of his final wishes Mr. Neumann’s brain was donated to Northwestern Medical Center to aid in their research.

Mr. Neumann was born January 20, 1937 to Frank and Hazel (Snyder) Neumann. He graduated from Streator Township High School and later the Carnegie School of Business through the University of Illinois. He married Irene Elaine “Bonnie” Bodznick on June 18, 1960 at St. Anthony Church.

An active member of the community, Mr. Neumann held many public service positions. He served as Streator Commissioner of Public Health and Safety, President and board member of Streator Association of Commerce & Industry, YMCA President and board of director’s member, Catholic Social Services board member, and Kiwanis Club President.

Many things were accomplished for this community during his years of civic involvement. One of the most notable, still positively impacting people of all ages in Streator, is the planning, fundraising, design and building of the new Streator Family YMCA. This $1.4 million dollar project was completed and dedicated in 1978.

Mr. Neumann loved to learn. He had many interests and was an avid reader. He obtained a private pilot’s license, was an artist, and a Jack-of-all-trades planning and executing many of his own home improvement projects. He also had a talent for playing music by ear, the piano being his favorite but also enjoyed playing the guitar, violin and flute. He sang in several barbershop quartets as well as church choir. His love for the arts extended beyond music to theater and dance. He, wife Bonnie and family friends often attended the ballet in Chicago and were supporters of Engle Lane Theater for many years.

Mr. Neumann managed and was treasurer for the family block and construction company, FX Neumann Son’s, Inc. Later, he diversified into closet design and installation, serving an area as far as Princeton to the west and Morris to the East.

Mr. Neumann is survived by his beloved wife Bonnie Neumann. He leaves a legacy in his four children through the impact he insisted they make on society: Lori (Mathew) Benning, Madison, WI, Scott (Lisa) Neumann, Oak Park, IL, Lona (Scott) Moore, Bettendorf, IA, and Luke (Marta) Neumann, Saint Petersburg, FL. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Alexandra Neumann, Maxwell Neumann, Benjamin Neumann, Quinn Neumann, Elizabeth Moore, Catherine Moore, Cray Neumann, and two step grandchildren Nolan and Avery Appostelou.

He is also survived by his brother Bill and sister-in- law, Sue Neumann of Streator. He is preceded in death by a grandson Thomas Lawrence Moore, his parents, two brothers, their wives, a sister and many other family members.

Mr. Neumann was a member of St. Anthony Parish, and later St. Michael the Archangel. His faith was very important to him.

The family would like to thank Dr. Karkera and extend their gratitude to the tender caregivers and staff at Heritage Health. Their support and care for Mr. Neumann and his family during his final days was nothing short of inspirational. The depth of our gratitude is immeasurable. A heartfelt thank you to the Long family for their friendship, concern, understanding and generosity during our shared experience at Heritage.

The family asks that any memorials be made to Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Care in Larry Neumann’s name for rehabilitation equipment or life enrichment programming

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 A.M. Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator. Father Raymond Guthrie will officiate.

Visitation will be from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home., Streator. Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Streator.

The Solon-Telford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Lawrence Neumann, please visit our flower store.

Visitation

Solon-Telford Funeral Home

Friday February 16th, 2018

10:00am - 11:00am

301 S Park St
Streator, IL 61364

Mass of Christian Burial

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

Friday February 16th, 2018

11:30am

801 Lundy St
Streator, IL 61364

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence P. Neumann, please visit our floral store.