death of NWA/DL Capt. Joseph Martin Neumann, age 69
death flwnwst
~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Joseph Martin Neumann
February 19, 1957 - March 2, 2026
Joseph “Joe” Martin Neumann joined Northwest Airlines 07-21-1989 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2022 based MSP. Joe is survived by his wife Barbara, and by his children and their families.
PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/03/nwadl-capt-joseph-martin-neumann.html
https://www.kozlakradulovich.com/obituaries/Joseph-Martin-Neumann?obId=47452392
Joseph Martin Neumann Obituary
Joseph M. Neumann, age 69, of Osseo, MN, passed away on March 2, 2026.
Joe was born February 19, 1957, in Minneapolis, MN to Carol and Ralph Neumann. He grew up in Maple Grove and attended Osseo Senior High School before being appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, where he captained the parachute team and proudly graduated with the Class of 1979 (LCWB).
After graduation, he served 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force flying F-4s and F-16s. He continued his aviation career as a commercial pilot with Northwest Airlines and then Delta Air Lines until retiring at age 65 in 2022. While God blessed him with a long flying career, he was vocal that the FAA had the retirement age wrong—he would have flown forever.
Though he loved flying—faster than he ever drove his truck—Joe was best known for his devout Orthodox Christian faith and service to others. He served in many capacities at his beloved St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral and within the wider Twin Cities Pan-Orthodox community, generously sharing his time and talents through Orthodox Prison Ministry, Focus MN and the St. Mary’s choir. The corner of 17th & 5th NE will miss his vigilant security watchfulness on feast days, festivals, and every Sunday morning.
Aside from his faith, Joe’s greatest blessing was his family. He married his love, Barbara Ann, upon graduating from the Academy in 1979. They shared 46½ years of blessed marriage, remaining true sweethearts and partners in everything. Together they raised four children and while he was a proud father, nothing brought him more joy than his grandsons—Daniel, Henry, and George. They were his sidekicks in projects around the house, theological conversations, kombucha brewing, and survival skills practice. Grampa ensured they wore matching ear protection for both smoothie blending and the many air shows they attended together. Sharing his passion for jets and airplanes with the boys brought him immense joy.
Joe was the adoring and watchful brother of nine siblings—whom he loved deeply and was endlessly proud of— no matter what. He was uncle to 25 incredible nieces and nephews, and Godfather to many cherished godchildren. His prayer list filled a three-ring binder, and he faithfully prayed for loved ones—and anyone who might need it—each day. He had more great friends than any introvert should, and could spend hours chatting with strangers who most often became friends.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Barbie; children Jeanette & Ryan Dressen, Joanne Neumann, Jane & Christos Traikos, and John Neumann; and grandsons Daniel & Henry Dressen and George Traikos. He is also survived by siblings Mary & Dennis Zacharias, Pat Neumann, Cindy & Bill Swan, Julie Neumann, Fr. Bill & Matushka Marcy Neumann, Laurie & Jim Thompson, Christine & Kat Jobanputra, Tom Neumann, and John & Leslie Neumann; in-laws Steve Warian, Susan Cyronek & Patrick Elwell, and John & Mary Warian; and many adored nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph & Carol Neumann; in-laws Jeanette & Peter Warian; niece Amy Armstrong; nephews Tony Armstrong & Will Pesek; beloved brother-in-law Mark Cyronek; and USAFA roommate Jeffery Scott Larsh.
In lieu of flowers, please get your oil changed and don't forget to check six—it’s what Dad would have wanted. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral or Focus MN.
Visitation at St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral Chapel (1701 NE 5th St) on Sunday, March 8th, 2026 from 2-5 PM with Vigil Prayers (Parastas) at 3:30 PM. Funeral service at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church (3450 Irving Ave. S.) Monday, March 9th, 2026 at 12 Noon with visitation 1/2 hour prior. Interment St. Mary's Orthodox Cemetery. Full Final Military Honors provided by the Kraus – Hartig VFW Honor Guard Rifle Squad.