Emerson (Speed) Neumann, 90, Cando, ND passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Towner County Living Center, Cando.

Emerson was born at Gackle, ND, on May 19, 1918 to Fred and Helen (Schmidt) Neumann.  He grew up in Gackle and graduated from Gackle High School in 1935.  He graduated from North Dakota Agricultural College (North Dakota State University) School of Pharmacy in 1941.

After graduating from college he worked at Rolla Drug in Rolla until he was drafted.  His basic training was at Little Rock, Arkansas and Rockford, Illinois.  After the Japanese attacked the United States on December 7, 1941 he was sent to Luke Field, Arizona for advanced training in the hospital pharmacy.  He was assigned to the medical unit attached to the 49th Fighter Group in the Philippines until the war ended in 1945.

After his discharge he returned to Rolla to work at Rolla Drug and he and his cousin Barney Neumann purchased the drugstore.  While in Rolla he used the G.I. bill to get his pilots license.

On November 12, 1954 he was united in marriage to Janet Hendrickson at Bisbee, ND.  They moved to Cando in 1955 and purchased Lende Drug and renamed it Neumann Rexall Drug.

He was actively involved in the community as a member of the Commercial Club, City Council, Golf Club, Chrch Council and board member of First State Bank.

He enjoyed his Canadian Fishing trips, family trips, golf, bowling, skiing, hunting and was a die-hard Detroit Tiger baseball fan.  Thrsday was his day to golf and play smear at the golf course. After 35 ½ years at Neumann Drug he retired.  He enjoyed coffee at Dee’s Café and attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events, reading golf and baseball magazines and checking the sports page of the daily paper.

He continued working one day a week at Neumann Drug for several years and going to senior golf tournaments.  One of the highlights of a senior tournament was a hole-in-one at Park River.

He is survived by his wife, Janet, daughters: Kris (Kevin) Cramer, of Bismarck, ND and Kim (Pat) Belzer, of Cando; and son, Barry Neumann, of Cando; six grandchildren:  Ian Cramer, of Cando, Isaac, Rachel and Annie Cramer, of Bismarck; and Bridger and Terry Belzer, of Cando; one brother, Bernett Neumann, of Highland, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Cordell and sisters-in-law Edna Neumann and Jacquilin Neumann.

Memorial service: Monday, May 11, 2009 11:00 AM at the Cando Lutheran Church with reception to follow at the Cando Golf Course.

Military Rites presented by Hal Parker Post #79 Cando American Legion