Elmer Neumann

Elmer Eugene Neumann, age 89, was called to his heavenly home on May 1st, 2024. He was a resident of Nelson Gables Assisted Living in Alexandria, MN.

Elmer was born on January 25, 1935 in Nordheim, Tx. to John and Alice (Fertsch) Neumann. He was raised in Texas with his three siblings: Kenneth, Joan, and Karen Neumann. While enrolled as a student-athlete playing baseball at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, TX he met Betty Jo (BJ) Anderson. On March 22, 1958, he married BJ in Houston, TX. 

After graduation, Elmer served his country in the Air Force logging service time in South Carolina, Alaska, and Texas. Elmer was a terrific athlete and played baseball for the Military All-Stars during this time. Following his discharge, they settled in the town of El Campo, TX where they raised their only son, Greg. Elmer became a certified public accountant in El Campo and opened his first practice there in what became a lifelong vocation. In addition to his accounting work, he had ownership in a communication service business in town. Elmer & BJ were dedicated members of First Baptist Church of El Campo quickly making new family from friends and establishing lifelong relationships. As an avid sports fan, Elmer’s first loves were baseball and tennis. He dedicated many hours of his spare time to the encouragement of local athletes from their local church and school, regularly attending many of their games. Elmer loved to follow the Houston Astros and had wonderful stories to tell from several trips to Wimbledon, his favorite tournament, in the 1980’s.  

Many of their summers during those years were spent at a family cottage on Battle Lake. In 1992 after much discernment, Elmer and BJ moved to live full time in Minnesota in the cabin on Battle Lake. Together, they restarted Elmer’s accounting business in Henning. Additionally, they built, owned, and operated Elmer’s Texas BBQ near Otter Tail Lake capitalizing on Elmer’s love for Texas brisket and their mutual passion for fellowship and camaraderie in a closeknit community.  

Elmer loved Jesus and was a faithful member of their church in Henning. He was an active participant and generous with his time in support of the ministry. He and BJ cherished their lives on the lake. Whether it was time on the pontoon catching sunnies, fish fries with neighbors, tennis matches with friends, or just peaceful time listening to the loons with BJ, the lake was their sanctuary.   

Elmer is survived by his nephew Kenneth Rhodes, his wife Brooke, and their children, Madalyn and Alexandra; along with many special friends in Texas and Minnesota.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alice Neumann; wife, Betty Jo; and their son, Greg.