Kenneth Neubauer

Kenneth William Neubauer, 98, formerly of Bartlesville OK, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Oklahoma Methodist Manor in Tulsa, OK.  After years of battling peripheral neuropathy that limited his mobility but not his strong nature and wit, died following a brief illness.

Kenneth was born on a farm outside Monona, Iowa to William Neubauer and Olive Stafford Neubauer.   The youngest of three, he was doted on by his loving sisters, Evelyn Echard and Marjorie Whalen.   He enlisted in the Navy during WWII and was a Navy pilot and flew bombers off of naval aircraft carriers in the Pacific, even surviving a kamikaze attack near the Philippines.   Following his discharge, he completed a degree in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University.   He was proud to serve as the President of his Fraternity, Theta Chi.   In 1948 at a St, Patrick’s day dance in Iowa City, he met his future wife, Marie Gnapp.  They claim their attraction began as they were the best dancers there and it led to many dances and shared interests.  They married in 1951 and moved to Bartlesville in 1954 where he worked in Sales and Marketing at Phillip’s Petroleum until his retirement in 1975. He was a member of East Cross Methodist Church.

Kenneth was an avid outdoorsman who loved golf, bird hunting, fishing, boating and water skiing until he was into his 70’s.  He loved music, played the piano and organ and he passed on his love of music to his children.  He spent many hours with his devoted friend and former boss, Ed Beisser.   He devoted his retirement to his many interests and volunteer work with the Bartlesville Civitan Club and Bellringer school.   He loved God, his family and believed in service to the community.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters and son in law Mark Hesselberth.  He is survived by daughters, Patricia Neubauer, Linda Brumley (David), Janet Hesselberth, Barbara Neubauer, close family friend Beth Brothers, grandchildren; Kenneth Mays, Michael Mays (Krysta), Daniel Hesselberth and Libby Mullican; great-grandchildren Brennan Mays, Annabelle Mays and many nieces and nephews.  He had a very special relationship with his niece, Jan Dijulio aka ‘’bald headed Jan” and Mike Whalen, his nephew.

A family memorial will be held at Arnold Moore & Neekamp in Bartlesville on January 24, 2021 with internment at Memorial Park cemetery.    People wishing to honor Kenneth’s years of service and commitment to his family and community can make donations to Bartlesville Civitan or The American Heart Association.  We want to thank those that cared for him at Methodist Manor and Seasons Hospice.  To send an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemories.com.