Martha Neugebauer

Martha Neugebauer was born November 25, 1920 to Karl and Emma Vollmer on a farm near Mound City, South Dakota.  At the age of 2, her mother died, so she was taken in by her grandparents Karl and Barbara Vollmer who lived on the original homestead where they settled after emigrating from Russia as Volga-Germans in 1890.  Martha grew up there, with regular visits from her Dad.  She attended one-room schools, and helped with many farm and kitchen chores.   At age 16, the farm could no longer support the family, so she moved with two aunts to Sturgis, South Dakota, where she worked at various jobs and completed high school in 1941.  She then worked at the Fort Meade Army base, and later as a telephone operator for NW Bell Co.  She met Albert Neugebauer in Sturgis where he worked in his brother’s jewelry store. They were married in 1951 and then headed for Washington State where they purchased Karl’s Jewelry Store in Spokane.  Albert operated the business while Martha took care of kids John and Joanne and the home.  When the kids started school, she worked part-time at a school cafeteria; and later at house cleaning jobs, selling Avon, baking for others, and catering.  Martha volunteered at school activities, as a Cub Scout den mother, Sunday school teacher, and with Albert at the Crosswalk Teen Emergency Shelter in Spokane. They were active in Redeemer Lutheran Church for 60 years.  The family enjoyed many vacations, including trips to South Dakota, Seattle, Hawaii, and Germany; and camping around the Northwest.   They celebrated their 50^th anniversary in 2001.  Albert passed away in 2009; and in 2013, Martha moved to Gig Harbor, WA to be closer to her children. They enjoyed lots of get-togethers, travels, and Martha’s sense of humor.  On March 28^th, 2018 she went peacefully to Heaven in a loving retirement home with her family at her side.  She is survived by her daughter Joanne Neugebauer-Rex and husband Mike; and son John Neugebauer and wife Margret.   Memorials may be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Old Schafer Rd.  Spokane, WA 99206 to support children’s ministries.

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