Obituary of Gerhard Neumann

NEUMANN – Gerhard (Gary) was born on May 10, 1934 near Konin, Poland on the family farm – in the same house generations before him were born in, as the family home was built by his great – great grandfather. While his family was of German descent, they lived in an area of Poland which historically experienced changes in the location of its border. The family farm, situated along the Warta River provided a picturesque setting for Gary to develop his attachment to the land and the beauty of the outdoors. As a youngster he learned about growing crops and raising livestock – and of course, producing everything one needs. For those who know about Gary’s passion for growing fruit trees – this is where it all began. He helped his father plant hundreds of fruit trees which they used for making their own wine. Unfortunately, through the circumstances of war – the Neumanns lost the farm and most of their possessions. When Gary was about 11-years-old, they were given 15 minutes to take what they could carry and leave. From there they moved westward, living in several locations throughout Germany. However, as a youth, Gary managed to play soccer, compete in sports days and even took up playing the violin. As a teen, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and going to dances. But his greatest dream was to rebuild the family farm that had been lost. In 1953 he set out for Canada and settled in the Vanguard, Sask. area where he found employment as a farm hand. He then took on extra responsibility by sponsoring and supporting his parents and two brothers in immigrating to Canada. When they arrived in the cold of winter in 1954, he convinced the school board to bring them out to a farm in the Herbert , Sask. area with a bombardier. The new country and language was a big change for them, but Gary worked very hard to help his family adjust – helping his brothers establish their own farms in the district. On October 12, 1963 Gary married Gisela Zilch, who also came from Germany. Fittingly, theirs was a relationship that started in the “outdoors” at nearby Highfield Dam when Gary couldn’t resist the warm smile of that girl with a fishing rod in her hand. When they started a family – they shared their love of the outdoors with their three children. In those days, ice fishing was a mainstay in their lives but their adventures included fishing in northern Saskatchewan, camping in Banff and Cypress Hills – and even visits to meet relatives in Europe. In the community, they were very involved in St.Paul’s Lutheran Church. It also wasn’t uncommon for them to be seen driving a van load of kids to hockey games or hauling a horse to 4H. As a couple, Gary and Gisela treasured the good times they had going to dances with friends. Through all aspects of their life they had an amazing partnership, bond and work ethic. They worked side by side on their livestock and grain operation and kept each other going. When Gary had cancer and West Nile Virus – Gisela helped him through it. During the months that Gisela battled cancer in the form of a brain tumor, Gary never left her side until she passed away in the spring of 2005. Even when Gisela was gone – Gary never wanted to leave the farm. He enjoyed being surrounded by all the trees – especially apple trees – that he had planted with his family. His special pride and joy was also his border collie, Mindy – the most incredible cattle dog that Gisela helped train as a puppy. And his tame Maine-Anjou/Angus cows, they were a lifelong passion! He enjoyed sharing this love of livestock with his granddaughter Kaitlyn who is busy building her own herd of cattle and showing them in 4H. Proud of her accomplishments in sports, Gary also liked to brag about her playing hockey. During the past year when his health began to fail, Gary took pleasure in the simple things in life: Listening to German music, enjoying a glass of wine and stroking the head of a canine companion at his side. When things became too difficult in mid-October, he was hospitalized and eventually placed in a Swift Current long term care facility, passing away on November 22, 2013 at the age of 79 years. Gary is predeceased by his parents Wilhelm and Anna Neumann, sister Elli Neumann, brother Reinhold Neumann, step-sister Luzie Sidow, sister-in-law Katie Sies and father-in-law Heinz Zilch. He will be remembered by his sons Edward and Dean and daughter Tracy (Tom) Harrison and granddaughter Kaitlyn, brother Wally (Trena) Neumann as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Gary’s funeral was held at 1 pm on Dec. 3, 2013 at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. The service was followed by the interment at the Herbert Cemetery and a reception at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, also in Herbert. In Gary’s memory, donations made to the Saskatchewan Parkinson’s Society would be appreciated by the family. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence please vistit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home in Swift Current, SK.