Matthew Seth Neumann, 36, a Colorado native, passed away Jan. 13, 2012, in Denver. Rabbis Richard Rheins and Jay TelRav officiated at the Jan. 15 service at Temple Sinai. Interment followed at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Matt will be missed most of all for his quirky sense of humor, his dedication to helping others and the strength and determination he demonstrated throughout his illness, the family said.
Mr. Neumann was born June 7, 1975, in Denver to Gary and Stefanie (Polokoff) Neumann. He was raised in Aurora and lived there until he graduated Eaglecrest High School in 1993.
He attended UNC, where he received his bachelors degree in psychology and math, and his MA in pupil services.
Mr. Neumann was interested in becoming a college dean and spent the next several years working on college campuses, including South West Missouri State University, the University of South Dakota, the University of Maine, Stony Brook University and Mississippi State.
Joining him in his travels was his wife Jennifer Kimberling Neumann, whom he married on May 27, 2001. They had two daughters, Hillary and Madilynn. He always said that Hillary was his dream come true and Madilynn was Daddys little girl.
He returned to Colorado in 2008, when his illness no longer allowed him to work.
Mr. Neumann loved reading, playing on his computer, listening to music and watching sports. A fanatic New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan, he traveled to both stadiums several times to watch his favorite teams.
He was also a parrot head and loved listening to Jimmy Buffet and attending his concerts.
In addition to his parents, wife and children, Mr. Neumann is survived by his grandparents Shirley and Gerald Polokoff of Colorado Springs; sister Jenny (Jon) Ball of Spring Hill, Kan.; and niece Emily Ball and nephew Jakob Ball.
Contributions may be made to Temple Sinai or the Muscular Dystrophy Assn.
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
