Born: Dec. 15, 1938

Died: Dec. 18, 2012

William (Bill) Raymond Neumann, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Lakeland Regional Hospital, with his loved ones by his side.

Bill was born Dec.15, 1938, in Chicago, to Frederick Neumann and Mildred (Regan) Curtis.

To mention the years he spent in his beauty salon, which he owned for 30 years, or the time and heart he put into the Krasl Art Center would only pale in comparison to the love and care he put into his family.

On June 20, 1959, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Bookwalter.

They shared 53 years together and raised three children.

During their retirement years, they enjoyed traveling all over the country, creating many special memories together.

Bill found his greatest joy in fishing, tinkering and building, first with his children, then with his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; daughters, Valerie (Jeffery) Kowerduck and Jennifer Seymour; and a son, Steven (Carol) Neumann.

Bill cherished his grandchildren, Emily, Marcus, Alex, Bailey, Hannah, Reegan, MacKenzie, Jeremy and Maggie.  His mother-in-law, Bessie (Krivanek) Bookwalter, just celebrated her 99th birthday.

He is also survived by his loving sister, Marlene (Greg) Schoo; brothers, Edward (Cheryl) Neumann and Frederick (Shirley) Neumann; brothers-in-law, George (Teresa) Bookwalter and Richard (Nancy) Bookwalter at his side; countless nieces, nephews and friends, many of whom were able to visit during his final days on this earth.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Marden Curtris; father-in-law, Eames Bookwalter; fishing buddy, Max Klemm; and a nephew, Joshua Bookwalter.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made to Lakeland Hospice at Home or Berrien County Cancer Service.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services.