Michael Neimon and I had a wonderful connection enjoying a beer at the Delafield Brewhaus. He is a strong and warm presence who is more comfortable spending his time in nature vs. city lights. Quite involved in the Lake Country community, he has a passion that is demonstrated by his many successes as volunteer, leader, coach, teacher and guide. Mike is down to earth and believes everyone should be a participant if life. He encourages one to keep “plodding along” always moving toward your goals. His commitment to society is inspiring.
Meet Michael Neimon
Michael Neimon’s grandparents landed at Ellis Island and his parents are first generation immigrants who raised Michael in Wauwatosa. Mike lived in various Milwaukee communities during college working as paperboy, bus boy, stocker, data entry and paralegal, all toward his journey of becoming a District Court Administrator for the WI Supreme Court in 1991.
Currently, Mike lives in Delafield and is the President of his homeowners association and has been working on conservation efforts for over 24 years. For 13 years he was Cub/Scoutmaster and has 30 eagle scouts to his credit, including two of his sons. He has a black belt from Salick’s Karate in Delafield where he also taught. He also ran a junior curling program at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club and his high school team won State!
Mike has volunteered at Lapham Peak State Park for 20 years and has coordinated almost 2,000 volunteer hours of time since 2020. He is also a Son of the American Legion at American Legion Post 196 where he volunteers on work for veterans and is in the Honor Guard. Michael Neimon knows we only have one shot in this world and he is doing his part to make the best of his little piece of it.
About Michael Neimon
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a husband to Kerry, who is outstanding both as a mother and a guidance counselor at KM. My son’s, Joseph and Alex Neimon, both were very active in scouting even after obtaining their Eagle Scout rank and both will have graduated from UW – Madison. My wife, Kerry, is a force of one who continues to inspire me to be better and not to slow down. I am amazed at the work she has done over the last 30 years with the children of this community as a guidance counselor and the positive impact she has on our youth. It makes me want to continue to do the same. She inspires me.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am lucky. I grew up in Wauwatosa, in an excellent family with great brothers and sisters and parents that were awesome. We were raised to work hard. Ever since I could work, I have worked. I have lived in really good areas and I have lived in really bad areas. I have seen what can happen to a community/neighborhood when society allows the bad elements to take over. Fortunately I had the opportunity to get into the court system to try and make a difference, however, I know that is not enough. You have to do the same in the community which is why I volunteer as much as I can.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love seeing the results of the work I have done. Even though at times it seems never-ending, the conservation work at Lapham Peak is rewarding. I coordinate volunteers at Lapham most Sundays and always welcome more help. Anyone interested in volunteering can do so at: laphampeakfriends.org/volunteer. The removal and burning of the Buckthorn helps keep the forest alive and healthy. In addition, I really enjoyed seeing the results from teaching at Salick’s, coaching athletics, being Scoutmaster and President of a homeowners association.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
The most difficult challenge for me was myself and getting out of my own way. I need to appreciate the journey and one way or another the journey always continues. I can be my own worst critic, thinking that “it’s never good enough.” It is up to me to enjoy the journey instead of worrying about it.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part of my life is my family. My wife Kerry and two successful sons. I do also believe that I have done a lot of good along the way. I look around my community and country and see the positive impacts I have made and it makes me feel good.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference at Lapham Peak and the Ice Age Trail Alliance with conservation efforts. I will continue to volunteer and help wherever I can knowing it will take me to a good place.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Think beyond yourself and act. Be a participant in life. Have a sense of wonder. When you think you know it all – realize you do not. Put others above yourself and you will always do well.
Michael Neimon & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
This community has it all for those that like the outdoors. You have access to a lot of lakes to fish, ski, motorboat, kayak and canoe. There are rivers to traverse that take you away from the hustle and bustle of life, where you can escape to see a complete other world within minutes. You can bike, run and walk virtually anywhere with ease. We have parks to ski, walk or just hang out with family. All of which you can do in a safe environment.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Mike Fort/John Hilmer, the Friends of Lapham Peak. Their volunteer dedication to the environment and for the good of others at Lapham Peak is beyond incredible. Every day the work they have done and continue to do with the volunteers makes an important piece of Lake Country better for the next generation.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
I like the American Legion 196 in Delafield.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Fun, safe, good.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
In college I was the Chief Justice of the UWM Supreme Court. I may not be very important but at least I shared the same title as some at the US and WI Supreme Courts.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I like the classics, To Kill a Mockingbird, because it shines a light on what we should keep in mind. I like books on Presidents, especially Ulysses S. Grant/Lincoln because they came from nothing and through hard work made a huge positive impact on America.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The people I surround myself with: My wife and sons. My friends. The people I work with and for. The volunteers I work with and all of the other people I see helping others.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Water. It helps us, it sustains us, and is critical to our survival and always ready to be used.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
I only want to have lunch with someone who really wants to have lunch with me.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Helping others when I know that they truly appreciate it.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Think beyond yourself and be a participant in life.
Where to Find Michael Neimon
Email: Michael.Neimon@wicourts.gov
Phone: (262) 370-1268
