Neumann, Dr. Arlo John "Doc" 1926-2023

NEUMANN, MAYBOHM, PRATHER

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/16/2023 at 13:49:04

Dr. Arlo Neumann, age 96, of Orange City, passed away of congestive heart failure, on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Orange City Area Health System.

A visitation with the family present will be held on Thursday, May 18, from 10:00am to 11:00am, at the American Reformed Church in Orange City. There will be a funeral service on Thursday, at 11:00am, at the church with the Rev. Mike Hardeman officiating. Interment will follow the service at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. The Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City is in charge of arrangements.

Arlo John was born to Frederick Carl Neumann and Nettie Adel (Maybohm) Neumann, on June 24, 1926, in Preston. Growing up in the serene farm town of Preston, he was instilled with a tireless work ethic and an abiding love for animals and history, which would serve as the foundation for his illustrious career.

At the young age of sixteen, he completed his high school education and went on to pursue Veterinary Science at Iowa State University. However, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1945 and served as a surgical technician at various locations stateside during World War II. After the war, he returned to Iowa State University and completed his degree.

On November 5, 1950, Arlo exchanged wedding vows with Mary Virginia Prather at the First Methodist Church in Ames. The couple made their home in Orange City, where they raised their three children and built a life filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. Their commitment to each other and their family was unwavering, and their legacy of love will continue to inspire those who knew them. Mary passed away on August 28, 2014, in Orange City, after more than 63 years of marriage.

As a well-respected veterinarian, he relentlessly served farm families in Northwest Iowa for many years. When he retired from his general livestock practice, he shifted his focus to equine medicine, where he quickly gained renown as the go-to "horse doctor," affectionately known as "Doc." His expertise and dedication to animal care will always be remembered by the many people and animals whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.

Doc's contributions to the veterinary profession went beyond his practice. He was an active member of the American Reformed Church and the American Legion. His passion for horses led him to write for The Draft Horse Journal for more than twenty years, as well as teach clinics across the United States and Canada. He also served on the board of directors for The Belgian Draft Horse Corporation for three consecutive three-year terms. Doc's work with draft horses took him and his wife, Mary, around the world, where they met many distinguished people. Later in life, he chronicled his experiences in an enthralling memoir titled "Get Up, Get Going: Tales of a Country Veterinarian." The book contains his favorite stories and teachings, culminating with the most significant lesson of all - that there's no such thing as luck, God's plan is already in place.

With a zeal for history, Doc amassed an impressive collection of artifacts that captured the essence of agriculture, the Civil War, and Native American culture. He was determined to preserve the lessons of the past and maintained a significant assortment of steam engines and agricultural tools for horses. In addition to his love for history, Doc was an avid hunter and fisherman who pursued his passions with fervor.

As we reflect on his life and legacy, we remember him not only for his impressive achievements but also for his exceptional contributions as a mentor and teacher to many. His genuine interest in and compassion for everyone he met, left a profound impact on their lives and spirits. Doc's passion for history was infectious, and his dedication to its preservation was unwavering. His kindness and generosity towards those around him were a testament to his character, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Doc's influence extended beyond his family, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Survivors include his three children, Linda Neumann, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; David Neumann, and his wife, Barb Benson, of Libby, Montana; and Penny Neumann Alley, and her husband, Martin Alley, of Vass, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Corey, Stephanie, and Lindsey Trimble; Greta and her husband, Andrew Jensen; and Kristin, Erich, and Niklaus Neumann; three great grandchildren, Kinley and Asher Jensen and Freya Neumann; and his brother and sister, Carl Neumann and Karen Empen, both of Clinton.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Cybil Neumann; two brothers, Darryl Neumann and Fred “Fritz” Neumann; and his four sisters, Marjorie Driscoll, Cleo Leslie, Shirley Gillespie, and Nancy Flood.

Memorials will be given to the Dutch American Heritage Museum.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.