John W. Neumann

John W. Neumann Sr.John W. Neumann Sr., 87, of Sylvan Bay Beach died on Thursday, December 29, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Fond du Lac. He was born on March 11, 1918 in Fond du Lac, the son of John W. and Florence (Foxhoven) Neumann. He married June McLain on November 18, 1939 at St. Patrick's Church in Fond du Lac. She preceded him in death on November 22, 1992.Mr. Neumann graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 1937. In 1942 he founded RB Royal Industries, Inc. (initially as Royal Brass Products) in Chicago. He moved his family and the enterprise to Fond du Lac in 1946 where he operated the company out of his 4th Street home. In 1952 he constructed a plant & office on Arlington Avenue where the business remained and grew until relocating to Fond du Lac's Southwest Industrial Park in 2002. The origin of the company is a remarkable story of John's perseverance, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship. The complete story can be found on the company's web site at www.rbroyal.com. Following his retirement, John remained connected to RB Royal and served as board chairman emeritus for the remainder of his life. John was a member of Holy Family Parish (St. Patrick's), the Exchange Club of Fond du Lac, and the Boy Scouts of America where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He also served Fond du Lac County for many years as a Deputy Sheriff. He was also a member of the Kentucky Colonels.John's was a life lived large. He showed a great devotion and generosity to family as well as friends throughout his life. His work and his company were his passion as well as his hobbies of hunting and fishing. As an avid outdoorsman, John made countless friends from the lakes and forests of Wisconsin's Vilas County to the Everglades of Florida to the mountains and streams of Montana and Alaska. In later years he enjoyed the challenge of salmon fishing on Lake Michigan with family and friends.Survivors include five children, Kathleen Neumann, John Jr. (Sue), James (Rosalie), Susan May (Daniel) and David (Mary Rose), all of Fond du Lac; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, June; his daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Don Scheid; a brother Ted, sisters Enid Hall and June Coleman, one grandson, and two great grandchildren.



Visitation for Mr. John Neumann will be on Saturday, December 31, 2005, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. A private family Liturgy of the Word for Christian Burial services will be held following the visitation at the funeral home on Saturday. Deacon Larry Hughes will officiate and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mr. Neumann's name. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.