April 13, 1917-January 13, 1999
(Editor’s Note: The American Council of the Blind would like to thank Mrs. Betty Jane Petersen-Neumann, personal representative of the late Fred Neumann. In his will, Fred named the American Council of the Blind as a beneficiary. Thanks to his generosity, ACB will be able to continue working on urgent legislative issues of concern to blind people.)
Frederic T. “Fred” Neumann, 90, of Lansing, Mich., died January 13, 1999. He was born April 13, 1917, the son of Frederic J. and Edythe Traver Neumann. He was educated at the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind and in the Wappingers Falls Public Schools. He received his bachelor of arts degree summa cum laude from Hobart College, Geneva, N.Y., his master of arts degree from Teachers College Columbia University, and did postgraduate work at Michigan State and Wayne State universities. He was a Phi Beta Kappa scholar.
Neumann taught at the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind before moving to Michigan to teach at the Michigan School for the Blind in 1944. He taught high school mathematics and social studies, wrote and published many articles in professional periodicals and journals and was well-known for his outstanding instruction in mental math procedures.
He lectured on the psychology of the blind, teaching techniques and educational philosophy pertaining to the blind at Teachers College Columbia University, University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University. He also taught personality development classes for the Lansing Public School District’s adult education department. He retired from the Michigan School for the Blind in 1977. During his career he was active in many professional organizations and held offices in the local MEA, AAIB, CEC and MSEA. He was a member of the American Council of the Blind, the Michigan Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and a strong supporter of WKAR Radio Talking Book of East Lansing. He was a member of South Baptist Church, the Friendly Bible Class, and the Super Senior group of the church.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Jane Petersen-Neumann; stepmother, Katherine Neumann of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; brother-in-law Donald J. (Jo) Petersen of Highland Heights, Ohio; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Minnesota Loses Two Blind Leaders and Mentors
(Editor’s Note: The following memorial pieces are based on articles which appeared in the January 2000 “Minnesota Memo.”)