Edna Neuman

Edna G. Neuman passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at University Hospitals in Cleveland at age 94. A lifelong resident of Geneva, she was born on March 28, 1918 to Anna Kalweit Grapatin and Emil W. Grapatin. Edna attended the North Center School and graduated from Geneva High School in 1936, second in her class. Her first job was with the Geneva Telephone Company. She was an accomplished pianist and performed with a piano orchestra across the northeastern states. In later years she played at local nursing homes. Edna served as the organist for St. John's Lutheran Church for 50 years, where she was a lifelong member. She also was active in the church Altar Guild, the Lutheran Children's Aid Society, the Over Twenty-One (OTO) Club, and the Walther League where she met her husband. Ted and Edna's courtship included riding every major roller coaster throughout the Great Lakes Region and Canada. Edna married Theodore Neuman on October 18, 1940, and they were married for 56 years. After marriage she moved to Fort Clark, Texas, with her husband, where she served as an acquisitions clerk for the Army. Ted and Edna traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Edna was an avid gardener and seamstress, making her own designer clothes. She served as a scout leader, PTA officer, and spent many hours watching her children and grandchildren play sports. Ted and Edna were members of the Alamand Leftover square dancing group. Edna prepared Sunday lunch for her extended family for many years. She was an avid Indians, and Browns fan. She is survived by her five sons, Theodore E. (Linda) Neuman of Jackson, NJ, Craig D. (Bessie) Neuman of Geneva, Thomas R. (Cindy) Neuman of Geneva, Douglas J. (Billie) Neuman of Niles, and Jeffrey D. (Mary Ann) Neuman of Kirtland, eighteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Edna was predeceased by her husband Theodore on December 26, 1996, one grandson, Todd Elliot Neuman, two brothers – Harold and George Grapatin - and two sisters – Helene Berkopec and Myrtle Palo. Donations in Edna's memory can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church. Calling hours will be held at Behm Funeral Home in Geneva on Sunday – July 15th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Geneva on Monday – July 16th – there will be an hour of viewing at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. The Committal Service will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.