Alexander Neumann

Alexander Neumann, 79, research scientist and educator, of Chicago's Outer Drive East, passed away peacefully March 2, 2026.

Alex was born in Wofenbuttel, Germany to Ukrainian immigrants Rosa Schnider and Johann Neumann. After the war, the family moved to work as indentured servants at a ranch in the historic gold rush town of Jamestown, CA. Alex was six years old. As a German who couldn't speak English, he was shunned by the other children. He learned English mostly from watching television and reading comic books. He was finally accepted when they realized the value of his presence in sports.

Alex was always a diligent worker, starting with riding his bicycle to deliver newspapers in grade school, working at a gas station through high school, and was recruited after graduation for three summers as a National Forest Ranger in Immigrant Wilderness Basin, just north of Yosemite National Park (by his former High School Science/Biology teacher/future father-in-law, Dale Keyser.)

He attended Sonora Union High School in Sonora, California where he excelled in the sciences and sports. Received a scholarship to UC Davis in Sacramento where he continued his love for basketball and played semi-pro while volunteering in the science department, where he was hired as a cardiac ultrasound sonographer. His career took him to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, the University of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center (Associate Professor of Medicine), Midwest Heart Specialists, and Edward Hospital in Naperville (Technical Director of Echo Lab/School).

Before moving to Chicago, he had several marriages and children. He seemed to settle into the academics of Chicago medicine and enjoyed all the sports, food and culture Chicago had to offer. He was able to continue his love for playing basketball while working at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park with his colleagues.

Alex was an educator in biological and physical sciences for over 50 years to individuals in groups, including high school, trade school, undergraduate, graduate, as well as post, doctoral level and graduate level.

A research scientist for over 36 years, he authored and co-authored hundreds of peer reviewed papers across multiple scientific publications. Alex also served on the Board of Directors as well as on many committees of International Scientific Organizations

In 1990, Alex' younger brother Pete attended his own 20th year high school reunion where he danced with a former classmate who had also moved to Chicago. Pete re-introduced the two, and they were married six months later. At 45, Alex learned to: play volleyball at North Avenue Beach, join in with his future wife's Four Lakes Ski Patrol team in Lisle during the summer, and then how to snow ski that winter. He passed those prenups with flying colors, hitting black runs in Taos, NM - so they were married in Spring! Jane sacrificed her time outdoors to fulfill her prenups by watching the NFL and NBA.

Starting late in life with previous marriages, they "announced their elopement" at Lake Tahoe so most of their family in California could attend. They were blessed with their daughter Erika within a year and took her on many adventures traveling to conventions throughout the US, and scientific studies, lectures, and poster presentations throughout Europe.

The couple enjoyed long walks with Checkers the Aussie Doodle, along the lakefront and river. They bicycled to food destinations with friends, or the Lincoln Park Zoo became a pattern. Alex was a serious foodie who loved the Food Network channels and was a great cook! He was also the first one on the dance floor at social events, which was one of Jane's favorites qualities in her husband.

Alex was very curious and inquiring - to the point of being intense for those that didn't know him. His friends would often remark that although he seemed stoic and intimidating (because of his stature 6'5") he actually had a very wry sense of humor and was very accepting and empathetic. He was very dedicated to his work, research, and teaching. All who knew Alex loved and admired him. Many said he was a Pied Piper for his profession. He will be deeply missed.

Beloved husband of 35 years to Jane Neumann; supportive father of Melissa Neumann of San Diego, Alexander Mosiak of San Francisco, and Erika "Mikeala" Neumann of Chicago; proud grandfather ("Opa") of Kylie and Cash, dear brother of Peter (Debbie) Neumann of Sonora, CA and the late John (Laurie Wagner) Neumann of Ripon, CA; uncle of Liesle, Alison, Laura, and Michael.

The family has chosen to donate Alex' body to science through the Anatomical Gift Association. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.

Services will be private.

Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.