Neufeld, John J. (1908-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Nov 28 p. 30

Birth date: 1908 Nov 18

text of obituary:

JOHN J. NEUFELD

John J. Neufeld was born on November 18, 1908 to John and Maria (nee Mirau) Neufeld in Alexanderkrone, South Russia, nd passed away on October 11 in Virgil, Ontario. In 1926 the Neufeld family emigrated to Canada, settling near Watrous, Saskatchewan. Soon after he accepted the Lord as his Saviour, was baptized, and joined the Watrous MB Church.

He married Katharina Wiens on July 26, 1931. God blessed this union with eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Purchasing an old estate in Ontario in 1943, he worked hard and thoroughly enjoyed 31 years on the fruit farm. The whole family worked together during many of those years. Anticipating retirement, the couple built a home in Virgil, Ontario which they have enjoyed since April of 1974.

Mr. Neufeld was deeply involved in church and civic affairs. In the Virgil church he served faithfully as deacon for over 25 years, often counselling and showing unseen ways. He was also Sunday school teacher in an adult class. Because of his concern for Christian education he was involved in the founding of Eden Christian College in 1946 and served as treasurer of the Eden Board. As a member of the Canadian Board of Colonization and Relief their home was open to immigrants on several occasions.

For many years he served on local school boards. More recently he served on the Regional Land Division Committee and helped in the planning of a Senior Citizen's Home for Virgil.

Mr. Neufeld had been given good health until his heart began to fail a week before his passing. During the last week in the hospital the entire family was able to visit him. On October the Lord saw fit to take Mr. Neufeld to himself during the hour of his daily morning devotions.

Funeral services were held October 14 at the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church, and assistant pastor John Klassen officiated Rev. Abram Block and Rev. Rudy Bartel offered messages of comfort. Rev. Block based his message of hope on Romans 15:4. In Rev. Bartel's thoughts on victory it was shown that his memory is a blessing to wife children, brothers and sisters as well as to the church because he has "obtained a good report through faith" (Heb. 11:39).

He leaves to mourn his wife Tina; two sons, Elmer and John; four daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Katie) Klassen, Mrs. Henry (Elsie Dyck, Mrs. Ernie (Erika) Friesen, and Mrs. Eric (Marilyn) Dirks; 15 grandchildren; a brother Peter; and four sisters, Mrs. Pete (Mary) Dyck, Mrs. Frank (Helen) Goertzen Mrs. (Annie) David Janzen and Mrs. Georg (Tina) Buschman.