Joyce Ann (Schnuelle) Neumann
Joyce Ann (Schnuelle) Neumann, 91, of DeWitt, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice. Joyce was born on September 21, 1934, at Harbine to Oscar and Ida (Engleman) Schnuelle, where she grew up on the family farm. A country girl to her core, she often shared stories of her childhood, helping her father on the farm and milking cattle. She was proud of her upbringing and the strong work ethic it instilled in her it truly was something she carried with her throughout her entire life and passed down to her family. Joyce attended country grade school and graduated from Diller High School.
On April 10, 1955 Joyce was united in marriage to Herman Frederick Neumann at the Hope Evangelical and Reformed Church of rural Harbine. Together they built a life rooted in family, farming, and love. They were blessed with two children, Keith and Kathleen.
Joyce dedicated 31 years of service to the ASCS (now FSA) office in Beatrice, where she had so much passion for helping the farmers in the area. Even after retiring, she never slowed down. She remained a full-time farmer’s wife, always ready to lend a hand; whether it was raising farm animals, helping with crops, or delivering a warm meal out to the field for her husband and family.
She enjoyed traveling, playing cards, bowling and all lifelong friends that came with it. Although, fishing and boating weren’t her favorite activities (she went on one cruise and said never again), she faithfully joined Herman because she knew how much he loved them. That was Joyce, selfless, devoted, and always putting others first. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Joyce never missed a chance to support her children and grandchildren. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beatrice. After retirement, she filled her time with attending sporting events, 4-H shows, and FFA activities. No matter the occasion, she was always there (45 mins early) cheering, supporting, and loving. She was her kids and grandkids biggest supporter day in and day out.
She is survived by her children, Keith Neumann of DeWitt and Kathleen (Andy) Zavala of Sergeant Bluff, IA; her grandchildren, Christopher Neumann (girlfriend Brittney) of Plymouth, Allyssa Neumann of Platte City, MO, Brian Zavala of Portland, TX, Dara (Riley) Sindelar of Sergeant Bluff, IA, Brandon (Becky) Zavala of Waverly; great grandchildren, Alexandria, Aiden, Mallorie, Micah, Alba, Payton, Braelyn, Rylen and Maclin; sister, Janet Lawrence of Waxahachie, TX; brother-in-law, Walter Neumann of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Louise Neumann of LaVista; and many loving nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Herman on February 11, 2011; parents; infant brother; brother, Richard (Jean) Schnuelle; sisters, Arlene (Willard) Nippert, Verneal (Charlie) Barber, Elaine (John) Patras; brother-in-law, Conrad Lawrence; sisters-in-law, Hope Nippert and Shirley Neumann.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beatrice with Pastor Karl Hollibaugh officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 AM that morning in the church basement. Interment will be at 1:30 PM in the Prairie Home Cemetery north of Diller. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from noon to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 PM. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.
