Kristina "Kris" Neuman

Kristina "Kris" Louise Neuman, 59, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City following a short battle with cancer. She was born on September 11, 1965, in Bangor, ME, the daughter of Philip and Sharon (Halls) Arseneault.

Kris was born into an Air Force family, and moved many times throughout her childhood. Her father retired in 1976 and their family settled in Hot Springs, South Dakota where Kris would go on to graduate high school. In the late 90’s she met her future husband, Joseph Neuman, on an online chatroom. They talked and emailed for several years before meeting in person, and were married on August 6, 2005. She moved to Northern Michigan with Joe where she worked as a sewer at Second Chance, Armor Express, and most recently United Sheild in Traverse City. She enjoyed teaching her fellow sewers how to make a great product and took great pride in sewing those carriers together.

Kris loved spending time picking rocks, and there are buckets full left at the house to prove it. She also enjoyed watching all of the wildlife at their house, or “critter-watching” as she called it. She liked to go on drives to take in the beauty of nature wherever she lived, and stopped any chance she could to admire a lighthouse. Kris was a hostess extraordinaire, and planned every detail down to what each person needed to bring. ‘Neuman Wednesdays’ with friends, Christmas Dinners, and Friendsgiving were some of her favorite moments spent with those she loved. She also had a crafty side and enjoyed making all sorts of things with her sister, Neva. 

Kris was a very caring and compassionate person, and gave some of the best hugs! Those lucky enough to experience one of them know just how special they were. She served as the head of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Bellaire District Fire Department, and she really loved watching the young/new firefighters come into their own and seeing them excel in their own specialty. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Kris is survived by her loving husband, Joe Neuman of Bellaire; two sisters, Neva (Alan) Mitchard of Gillette, WY, and Norma Gausman of Hot Springs, SD; her brother, Charles (Sandy) Arseneault of Fort Pierre, SD; her step-daughter, Stacy Harmon; four nieces and nephews, Courtney (Marbin) Coombs, Lindsey (Kyle) Johnson, Justin (Deana) Gausman, and Christopher Gausman; seven great-nieces and great-nephews; and her three feline fur babies, Tibby, Elly Mae, and Kallie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepson, Stevie Gossel; and her nephew, Elija Thomas Arseneault.

Funeral services will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18, at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bellaire District Fire Department.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com