Kevin Neuharth

Minot

Kevin R. Neuharth, Minot, ND, passed away on Friday April 24, 2026 at the age of 73.

Kevin Roy Neuharth was born on November 12, 1952, in Bismarck, ND to Robert and Irene (Bonnet) Neuharth. He grew up in the heart of North Dakota, McClusky, where he graduated high school in 1970 and first discovered his love for the stage. Kevin then found his way to Minot State University (MSU) where he decided to double-major in Speech and Drama Education. While there he met his wife of 48 years, Cynthia (Black). They were married on June 4, 1977 in Knox, ND and later became proud parents of two children.

Kevin began his illustrious career as a teacher of Speech and Media Arts in the Minot Public School District following his graduation from MSU (1974). After two years there, he was approached by a highly respected professor at MSU about an open position at the university. That fall (1976) he started teaching and remained professor at MSU for the next 40 years. Kevin would go on to receive his Master of Arts degree with the University of Denver in the Theater Arts program and furthered his education with the University of Oregon. Throughout his career he directed over 150 projects and oversaw the technical side of 275 shows between MSU Mainstage, MSU Summer Theatre, the Sawmill Playhouse, Magic City Children’s Theater, University of Oregon Second Season, and Minot Public Schools Magic City Campus/Central Campus. In addition to his responsibilities as a professor and director, he spent over 25 years as the Coordinator of the MSU Communication Arts Department, served on several faculty committees including a term as the Faculty Senate President, supervised student teachers, and advised hundreds of students through their academic adventures including supervision of their senior projects. Outside the university, Kevin was principal respondent for over 20 Regional University KCACTF productions, was Judge/Respondent for dozens of North Dakota State Class A and Class B play contests, was camp instructor at the International Music Camp for nine summers, and presented several workshops at North Dakota State CSTAND conventions.

Kevin was recognized throughout his career for his accomplishments including having over 20 of his directing projects responded to by regional colleagues, the Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching award (2005), a Vision 2013 Merit Award for Humanities (2010), Teacher of the Year award presented by CSTAND (2013), and received several Ensemble Acting Awards, given to productions he directed, by the region V KCACTF. Late in his career and after retirement he continued to receive recognition including being granted full Professor and later Professor Emeritus at MSU, the MSU Dedicated Service Award (2016), the MSU Alumni Association “Golden Award” (2021), and the International Music Camp Distinguished Service Award (2025). In 2023 the “Kevin R. Neuharth Green Room” at the MSU Summer Theatre was dedicated in his honor, and in 2024 Kevin was inducted into the MSU Summer Theatre Hall of Fame.

Kevin is recognized as a “titan” in his field and truly loved his work, but more so he loved his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, who will be deeply missed. Though Kevin was a man of few words, sometimes about weather, those words carried value and were deeply personal. He loved hard and the life lessons he taught us have shaped who we are and the memories we have of him will be cherished in our hearts. We are all better individuals today because of him and his life lessons.

Kevin’s impact on the community and his former students is truly immeasurable. He is deeply admired and fondly remembered by many. Kevin had a dedication to people like no one else and always brought out the best in people because he truly believed in them. It didn’t matter who you were or how you knew him, he always took the time out of his day to listen and make sure you felt heard. Kevin inspired so many people through his performances, mentorship, and influence. His teachings and kindness will be carried on by his family, former students, colleagues, and all those impacted by him.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cynthia Black-Neuharth (Minot, ND), children Jared (Beth) Neuharth and Cassandra (Ben) Edwards (Fargo, ND), grandchildren Leightyn, Jack and Emilie (Jared/Beth) Neuharth (Melbourne, FL), sisters Roberta (Charles) Netzloff (McClusky, ND) and Cynthia (Lowell) Nelson (Grand Forks, ND), and niece Heather Netzloff (Phoenix, AZ) and nephew Michael Netzloff (Bismarck, ND).

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene Neuharth.

A Visitation will be hosted by the family at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot on Friday May 1st, 2026 from 3:00-5:00PM followed by a Vigil Prayer Service/Celebration of Life starting at 5:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church on Saturday May 2nd, 2026 at 10:30AM. To view a recording of the services, available May 4th, or share memories and condolences, access his obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Inurnment: Rosehill Memorial Park Columbarium, Minot.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to MSU Summer Theatre or to the MSU Black/Neuharth Educational Scholarship.

Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot entrusted with arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 29, 2026.