Denzil "Denny" Neumann

May 19, 1940 - December 29, 2021

On December 29, 2021, Denzil “Denny” Neumann, age 81, was promoted to his heavenly home, because he had received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age. Denny is survived by five loving siblings: Rev. J. Doug (Connie) Neumann, Asenath (Wilbert) Brunner, Rev. Philip (Betty) Neumann, David Neumann, Becky Adkins, and many nieces and nephews. Denny was born on May 19, 1940, in Oak Park, IL, to Rev. Denzil and Maxine Neumann. Denny grew up in a minister’s home. As a result, he lived in Chicago, Hoopeston, and Chillicothe, IL, Estherville, Iowa, Urbana, and Kankakee, IL. He later returned to Hoopeston where he lived until his death. Upon graduation from high school, Denny attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College for one and a half years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hoopeston, where he was very active in the ministry at the church, serving as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and even occasionally preaching. Denny loved music and was self-taught in playing the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, harmonicas in various keys, pan pipes, melodica, and his most unique instrument, the musical saw. His music was a blessing to many people as he played in several meetings, camps, and churches. Denny loved to travel across our country. His greatest love was the West. He hiked and rode his bicycle many happy miles, along with tent camping at many a campsite. Denny’s knowledge of the Bible, Nature, Science, and plants, trees, and bugs along with astronomy amazed those who listened to him. Denny was a humble spiritual giant who served the Lord with a contagious smile and a willing heart. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. A visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday January 11, 2022, at the First Baptist Church 323 E. Seminary Ave., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday January 11th, at the church with Pastor Adam Taubert, Pastor Doug Neumann, and Pastor Philip Neumann officiating. Burial will be in Mound Grove Garden of Memory in Kankakee, IL, where he will be laid to rest near his parents. Memorials may be sent to Camp Assurance, Georgetown, IL or the First Baptist Church in Hoopeston, IL.