Edward Neumann, age 46, of
Evansville, WI, passed away after an afternoon of hunting on December 25, 2022. Edward was born to David and Barbara (Henrichs) Neumann. Ed graduated from Merrill High School and went on to attend UW-Stout. He was employed at Belleville High School as a Project Lead The Way technical education teacher and STEM coordinator.
Ed is preceded in death by his father, David, and his grandparents William and Clara Neumann and Edward and Dorothy Henrichs. He is survived by his mother Barbara and sister Christa, multiple aunts, cousins, and extended relatives, countless colleagues, friends, and students, and his heartbroken family – his wife Christie, and sons Chase, Dean, and Drew, and his crazy mutts, Maddie and Izzy.
Ed enjoyed the outdoors, cycling, woodwork, cooking (particularly grilling and smoking the meats he hunted), and travel. He was a PLTW national teacher of the year, and earned PLTW distinguished district for Belleville multiple times for the programs he developed. Ed was a MeatEater, and worked proudly and closely with that organization to promote conservation and create beautiful handcrafted trophies.
If you knew Ed as a teacher or a colleague, then you had the good fortune of interacting with an educator of the highest talent and integrity. He believed in including and mentoring teachers from classrooms next door to all over the country, participating in Massachusetts STEM Hub conferences and as a coach, and as an active PLTW conference participant and Master Teacher. He had a true love of learning, and never stopped fighting for what was right for his students and students everywhere. Most importantly, he believed every student had a path, and every student deserved a chance (and another one). His impact on the world of education can't be minimized.
If you knew Ed as a hunter, then you knew someone who appreciated the beauty of nature and the creatures that call it home. You hunted with someone who respected the gifts of nature, and never let it suffer or go to waste. You probably learned a great deal of skills from him, and he likely celebrated your successes more than his own. It was his happy place.
If you knew Ed as a friend, then you knew someone fluent in sarcasm and probably spent a great deal of time laughing. You had his unwavering support, his great respect, his listening ear, and probably a good meal and fantastic cocktail (or three). He was loyal and generous and always available to listen, to support, to laugh, to roast, or to celebrate.
If you knew Ed as part of your family, you had a loving and loyal son, a caring brother, or at the very least, someone you were glad showed up to holidays. For those who called him Dad, they had boundless love. He celebrated every milestone, took pride in every accomplishment, no matter how small, and carried you through every struggle with unrelenting faith that you would be okay. You were given a gift that many young men never receive, and you were given a beautiful example of how to carry that forward into your own futures.
And if you happened to be Eddie's wife, well I was the luckiest of all of us. Having Eddie as my soulmate meant endless love and support, so many adventures, tears, laughter, forgiveness, long conversations, hugs, quiet nights, and loud celebrations, great meals, constant projects, and the most beautiful life together.
Ed has left a legacy far too soon. To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement. A celebration of life is planned for early in 2023, details to follow.The Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.