A physician who cared for generations of Delavan-area residents is preparing to mark a major milestone. Roger Neumann, a longtime primary care doctor in Delavan, will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 1, giving the community an opportunity to honor a man many still remember simply as “Doc.”

Born in Metamora, Illinois, Neumann served as a hospital corpsman during World War II before graduating from Goshen College and earning his medical degree from Northwestern University. He later found an opening for a medical practice in Delavan, a community he and his wife, LuEtta, chose in part because it allowed them to live near her family in Hopedale.

Neumann served as a primary care physician in Delavan from 1953 to 1992. During those decades, he and LuEtta made their home in Delavan and raised their three children, Ted, Paula and Joy. His work reflected a very different era in medicine: he visited patients at two hospitals seven days a week, held office hours on Saturday mornings and several evenings during the week, and made house calls for needs that today might send patients to urgent care or the emergency room.

Family members say Neumann often speaks with gratitude about the dedicated staff members who helped keep his office running smoothly and supported one another through the demands of a busy practice. He has also credited LuEtta for managing the household and family life during years when his medical schedule kept him constantly on call.

Now living in South Bend, Indiana, near his son Ted, Neumann will be honored at a family celebration in Goshen, Indiana, on June 27. Those who would like to send birthday greetings may email toles@duck.com or mail a card to 59257 High Pointe Drive, South Bend, IN 46614. For many in Delavan, the occasion is a chance to celebrate not only a 100th birthday, but also a lifetime of service to the community.