Funeral services for Dorothea J. Neumann will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2017 at St Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN. Reverend Scott Williams officiating. Interment will be in St Peter’s Cemetery, New Richland.
Dorothea Jane Neumann was born in Wells, Minnesota to Elmer and Helen (Malakowsky) Schroeder on October 10, 1926. She attended Owatonna Public Schools until she was 12 and also a country school in Wells for a while, then returning to Owatonna School. She spent time in her younger years playing along in her father's concertina band where she discovered her natural love and talent for music. She enjoyed spending time in Wells at Oma's and in New Richland at her uncle Andy Mucha's farm where she helped out. Here she met the love of her life- Raymond, who also helped out at their farm. They were married on June 25, 1944 at St John's Lutheran Church in Owatonna. Raymond and Dorothea lived a short time with Raymond's parents before moving to "Cherry Hill Farm" near New Richland. Soon thereafter they moved to their permanent residence across from Raymond's parents where she resided the remainder of her life. Dorothea was employed several places - the Hemp Plant, the Knitting Mill, Bird’s Eye, and lastly Brown Printing - retiring after 30 years of service. Dorothea's passion being music, she was also employed as organist at St Peter's Lutheran Church in New Richland for around 65 years, although that was for her enjoyment and labor for the Lord and she never considered a minute of it as work. She also played for many weddings and funerals, which she always considered an honor and a blessing. She taught Sunday School for 20 years and played piano for Sunday School.
Dorothea also made her rounds to the Country Neighbors, the HUD and the Care Center playing for their services and also for their entertainment. Giving her time and talents was what she did best. Dorothea's hobbies included collecting music boxes, meeting relatives in Owatonna for breakfast and going to garage sales. She also enjoyed preparing delicious meals for family and spending time playing cards and visiting. Dorothea leaves behind her daughter Patricia (Mark) Milbrett of Waseca, and grandchildren Scott Neumann of Mankato, and Keith Neumann. Brandon(Naomi) Milbrett of Waseca, Ross Milbrett of Waseca, Julie Milbrett and friend Justin Borglum of New Richland; great grandchildren Kristin Neumann of Fargo ND, Nicole 'Nikki' of Mankato, Tabitha "Tabby" Katzung of Houston TX, Ciara Neumann of Owatonna and Amelia, Adeline, Henry and Penelope Milbrett of Waseca; great-great grandchildren Serenity and Olivia; broth brother Glenn Schroeder of Owatonna, sisters-in-law Pat Schroeder of Faribault and Janet Neumann of Owatonna. She was welcomed home by Jesus on October 23, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, son Kenneth, great-grandson William (Billy) Neumann and two great-grandchildren, baby Milbrett, her parents Elmer and Helen Schroeder, siblings Gladys (Leslie) Hagen, Roger Schroeder, Margie (Elmer) Johnson, Elaine (Al Sobrack), David (Bev) Schroeder; parents-in-law Otto and Rose Neumann, siblings-in-law Dorothy (Earl) Sutlief, Florence (John) Possehl, Alice (LeRoy) Sutlief, Otto (Delores) Neumann, and Virgil Neumann.
Dorothea's version: Born October 10, 1926 in Wells Minnesota to Elmer and Helen Schroeder. She attended Owatonna public school until she was 12 years old. After a major heart attack, she was ordered by heart doctor to attend a quiet country school. After a year of convalescing she returned to Owatonna School where she complete freshman and sophomore classes. She went to New Richland and helped out at an uncle's farm, baby sitting, etc. Here she met Raymond who was helping out there also. They had lots of milk cows, so the separator had to be cleaned every day. One morning after she washed the separator Raymond grabbed her and dropped her in a big watering tank. Boy! That water was cold. His mom gave him a scolding so he behaved after that. Well, this routine went on most of the summer. One night Raymond asked her to marry him. I told him I was only 16. Well, I'm only 20, Raymond said. We asked our parents and finally convinced them so we set a date for June 25, 1944. She worked hackling hemp in the hemp mill that winter. In the spring the knitting mill started up so she got a job sewing baby shirts and kimonos. Then she worked at Bird’s Eye in Waseca. One day Brown Printing opened up and she wanted to try something else. Dorothy got a job and worked 30 years sorting mail, filling pockets, hand feeding machines and anything else they wanted her to do. She learned to sort mail and train others to sort for many years. On Sundays she taught Sunday School for 20 years and played for church for over 65 years. During the week she played for Country Neighbors, HUD and NR Care Center. They had a son Kenneth and a daughter Patricia. Kenneth died of cancer. Patricia is working at Brown Printing. How time flies. God be with you till we meet again.