Claus Neumann

Claus Neumann, born November 8, 1929 in Marienburg, East Prussia, Germany died in his sleep March 4, at home in Santa Rosa surrounded by his beloved wife and three children after years of gallantly living with Lewy Body Dementia. His parents provided an idyllic childhood which, for Claus, included being an enthusiastic leader in the Hitler Youth. As World War II was ending, when the reality of the Nazi's was brought to light, his pubescent infatuation with Hitler's Germany turned into a lifetime disenchantment with political organizations and a distrust of corruptible emotions like patriotism. After the war, Claus had a tumultuous teen life: fleeing the Soviets twice, working as a cook apprentice to eat, smuggling, spending time in a Soviet prison, attending Hotel School in Heidelberg, working in some of the finest hotels in Europe and finally coming to Pebble Beach as a butler in 1953. The details of his early life are chronicled in his memoir, Farewell Marienburg (available on Amazon). After a stint in the US Army, rapid promotion at the Beverley Hilton, and fighting racism at the New Orleans Hilton Inn, Claus moved to Northern California bringing his old world charm with him. Claus and Tony Vicini arrived in Santa Rosa and opened the doors of Los Robles Lodge in 1962. Claus carried on alone from the late 60's becoming an ambassador of hospitality. He and Kirk Veale re-opened Hotel La Rose in 1990, Claus purchased the hotel in 1994 and operated it with his family till December 2003. John Burton recalled, "He was the best co-worker ever, he only became the boss in sticky situations. I learned a lot from him, that's why I'm successful today." Mr. N as he was referred to never asked his "co-workers" to do anything he wouldn't do himself. He credited them with his success. Claus shared his passion for travel with family and friends including his Scorpio traveling companions. He loved being active, working out until his last days, Claus skied Squaw Valley less than a year ago. An accomplished pilot he was nicknamed "the Red Baron." His other passion rowing led him to be one of the founding members of the North Bay Rowing Club. He longed to contribute to the community that had been so welcoming to him, besides being active in the Convention and Visitors Bureau he was a supporter of the Redwood Empire Restaurant Association and the SRJC Culinary Program. His door and checkbook were always open. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Debbie and their three children: Evan and partner Tammy Eggers of San Francisco, Sasha and Tom Murphy of Truckee, CA., and Mark of Santa Rosa; four precious grandchildren: Colton, Kaili, Vaugn, and Aslæn; his siblings: Gerd and Dorle Neumann of Celle, Elga Rombey of Tecklenberg-Leeden, and Inge Neumann of Osnabruck, all in Germany; sisters-in-law: Bonnie Bankofier (Donald) of Sun City West, Arizona; Jeri Marocco (Bob) of Santa Rosa; his first wife Barbara Medaille of Healdsburg; numerous nephews and nieces in America and Germany; many exchange students and mentees he took in over the years; and his dear co-workers at Los Robles Lodge. All those who appreciated Claus (Mr. N) are invited to a celebration of his life and a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony conducted by Gabriel Sakakeeny, Music Director of the American Philharmonic, Sunday, May 29, 2:00 p.m. at the Friedman Center in Santa Rosa. Memorial donations may be made to University of California Memory & Aging Center or the SRJC Culinary Arts Program.