Erma Lucille Neumann, 81, of Wausau, WI passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, December 2, 2017. She was born on March 17, 1936 in the town of Doering, in Lincoln County. Her parents were the late Arthur and Celia Lupton. She graduated from Merrill High School. Erma married James Jirovec in 1955 and was widowed in 1958. She married Leslie Neumann in 1961. He died in May 1995.
Erma enjoyed sewing, embroidery, reading and cooking. She also enjoyed traveling, going to concerts and she especially enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She spent many hours playing over 50 different games with her children and grandchildren. She always made it a priority to attend her children and grandchildren’s activities.
She belonged to her church’s ladies’ aide, alter guild, and helped with the youth group activities. She was known for her delicious cut out cookies and enjoyed making them with the youth group at Christmas time. She had a large, beautiful bell collection, with bells from around the United States and many other countries. She loved entertaining and was a gracious hostess.
She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Thomas Utecht; sister, Lorraine Fehr and brother, Elmer Lupton.
She is survived by her 8 children, Linda (Wilfred) Krenz, Wausau, Philip (Dana) Jirovec, Wichita, KS, Donna (Mike) Gliniecki, Mosinee, Patricia (John) Utecht, Marathon, Lunette (Randal) Dehnel, Wausau, Darrell (Jodi) Neumann, Merrill, Karen (Scott) Worden, Wausau, Karla (Keith) Staus, Athens; 18 grandchildren, William (Tracy) Krenz, Benjamin (Nikki) Krenz, Robert Krenz, Rebecca (John) Workman, Daniel Gliniecki, Timothy Gliniecki, Jessica Gliniecki, Nathan Utecht, Derek (Nicole) Dehnel, Travis (Samantha Melotik) Dehnel, Rachelle Neumann, Melissa Neumann, Alyse Neumann, Brooke Neumann, Tyler Jonas, Lucas Worden, Kyle Staus, Kaleb Staus; and extended family and friends.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church, town of Maine. Reverend Joel Willitz will officiate. Visitation will be at Helke Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 4:30pm to 8:00pm and at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be in the Town of Berlin cemetery. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.