In Loving Memory of Jo Neumann
Monday 14th February 2022
10.15am - The Catholic Church of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles, Welwyn Garden City
Gerd Joachim Neumann (Jo ) was born 15th June 1934 in Goerlitz , Prussia
1935 Jo became a German citizen when Prussia formally becomes part of the united Germany
1944 Flees the advancing Russian army with his Mother , 3 brothers and 3 sisters to be with their Father stationed in Kahla, Thuringia 150 miles further West.
1948 Leaves school at 14 and starts work as an apprentice Baker.
1949 Jo becomes an East German citizen with the post war division of Germany
Late 1950s . Disillusioned with East German regime he leaves home without saying goodbye and travels to Berlin on a train to escape East Germany . Jumps off the train as it passes through West Berlin . Requests asylum with the American embassy. Transits to West Germany and becomes a West German citizen . Travels around West Germany looking for work.
Early 1960s .Given free passage as East German refugee to Australia. Travels around Australia looking for work . Meets Chris at a Dance in the German expats club , Brisbane .
2nd Jan 1965 Marries Chris in Brisbane .
1965 -1971 Four Sons are born Michael , Thomas , Matthew and Stefan
1972 Fifth and final change in Nationality when he becomes an Australian Citizen
November 1976 Leave Australia for 6-month holiday in England and Germany. Australia devalues the Dollar not long after arriving which affect the finances.
Dec 1976 Meets up with his Mother and Father in West Germany who are allowed to leave East Germany
Jan 1977 Starts work as a Moulder in Southgate ,North London .
May 1977 Jo and family move to Welwyn Garden City. Jo starts attending Our Lady ,Queen of Apostles with Chris and Boys
March 1986 Jo was received into the Church
1990-2000 Four grandchildren born , Amy, Max , Katja and Lene.
1999 Retires from being a Moulder and spends more time on voluntary work in parish
2005 Chris diagnosed with Myeloma .
2014 Jo Diagnosed with a Neuroendocrine Tumour.
2nd Jan 2015 Celebrate Golden wedding in the Family Centre
23rd Mar 2015 Chris dies from complications caused by the cancer .
2017-2021 First two Great Grandchildren born Summer and Daisy
21st Jan 2022 Jo passes away in his sleep following short illness to be finally with Chris in Heaven.