Junior Ray Neukam, 88, Jasper

Junior Ray Neukam, 88, of Jasper, passed away at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Sycamore Care Strategies in Loogootee.

Junior was born in Washington, Ind., on March 26, 1937, to Charles and Arletha (Sturgeon) Neukam. 

He married Barbara Bellner on January 19, 1957, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. She preceded him in death on June 16, 2022. 

 He was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church in Jasper.

 He retired from Masterbrand Cabinets in Jasper after over 34 years of service.

 He enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, spending time with his animals, and spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by four daughters, June Shimer of Jasper, Mary Jo Messmer of Huntingburg, Doris Messmer of Huntingburg, and Chrissy Phillips (William) of Jasper; three sons, Ray Neukam of Jasper, John Neukam (Kristie) of Jasper, and Charlie Neukam (Rhonda) of Otwell; and one brother, James Neukam of Petersburg; 15 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death, besides his wife, are one daughter, Rebecca Neukam, who died in infancy, two sisters, Murele Ahrens and Joyce Dedrick, and one brother, Carl Neukam.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Junior Ray Neukam will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Precious Blood Catholic Church with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Becher-Kluesner downtown funeral home in Jasper, and again from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. service time at Precious Blood Catholic Church on Tuesday. A rosary will be prayed at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Precious Blood Catholic Church or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.