Helen Rudean Neumann, 96, passed away peacefully March 5, 2025, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Rudean was born March 18, 1928, on a farm in Thief River Falls, Minn., to loving Norwegian parents, Andrew and Emma Jorde. She was the youngest of eight children. 

Her favorite memories from childhood included riding a horse-drawn sleigh to the Christmas Eve program, and ice skating for hours on the Thief River. Hunting for golf balls to sell back to golfers for extra money on the golf course adjacent to their farm was also a standout memory. She graduated from Thief River Falls High School and began her career in the medical field, eventually working in medical records and the pathology lab. Rudean moved to Montana to work at the Bozeman hospital. There, she met Ernest Neumann, who was also working at the hospital, after just returning from serving in WWII. Rudean and Ernie fell in love, were married and raised three children in Montana. Then it was on to Idaho, where they retired in Coeur d’Alene.  

They were members of Christ the King Lutheran Church for many years where their faith in Jesus was nurtured and proved to be the compass for their lives. They loved spending time with family, especially on holidays when Rudean prepared beautiful meals. They were truly a treasure to the grandchildren. They braved the elements from North to South Idaho to attend numerous activities that the grandchildren participated in.   

Rudean was an accomplished seamstress. Quilts made by Rudean and other women of the church were sent to those in need around the world through World Vision. She and Ernie also enjoyed traveling, skiing, golfing and playing cards with friends. They were married 68 years until Ernie’s passing in 2018. Rudean’s final years were spent with good friends as a resident in the loving communities of Orchard Ridge in Coeur d’Alene and Bridgeview independent living apartments in Twin Falls. 

Rudean was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her children: daughter Lynn (Fred) Watkins of Twin Falls, Idaho, son David (Suzanne) Neumann of Gooding, Idaho, and daughter Julie (Kevin) Kincheloe of Fairbanks, Alaska. She has five grandchildren; three step grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and six great-step grandchildren.  

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The family would like to thank everyone for their loving support over the many years. If so desired, memorials can be sent to: Christ the King, in memory of Rudean Neumann, Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Rudean’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.