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Forrest Karl Neumann, 87, of Traverse City died July 9, 2018 at Munson Medical Center with family by his side. Karl was born on October 7, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri. The family lived in Centralia, Illinois where he attended grade school and worked with his father at the local S.S. Kresge's Five & Dime store.Karl graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. He then furthered his education at Northwestern University, where he earned his master's degree in Hospital Administration.
Karl served our country honorably as an officer in the United States Air Force. In early September of 1954, a mutual friend arranged a blind date for Karl to play tennis with a beautiful young woman named Erika Stefanie Turkl. Even though he was soundly defeated in their first match, they became engaged in November and married February 11, 1955. They raised four children. After 58 years of marriage, Erika preceded him in death in January of 2014.
Karl and Erika moved to Lansing in 1958 where he began his career with Edward W. Sparrow Hospital as assistant director. In 1962 he was named President and Chief Executive Officer and remained at Sparrow until his retirement in 1990. During his tenure, Sparrow grew to include residency training programs for physicians in partnership with MSU, breakthrough programs in cancer treatment, kidney dialysis, NICU and various special care programs. In 1990, Karl retired, and the West Wing was named in his honor, now known as the Neumann Wing. He genuinely cared about helping people. After his retirement from Sparrow, Karl became the CEO of the Michigan Hospital Association of Insurance Companies.
Karl is survived by his children Tracey (Dennis) Neumann Liberson of Great Falls, VA, Karen Neumann Kruger of San Mateo, CA. Soctt Neumann of Traverse City, MI and Lisa Neumann of East Lansing, MI.
There will be a memorial service in the fall to honor Karl's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Traverse Health Clinic.