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 emi grated to Canada, settling near Watrous, Saskatchewan. Soon after he accepted the Lord as his Saviour, was baptized, and oined the Watrous MB Church_ He married Katharina Wiens on July 26, 931. God blessed this union with eight hildren, two of whom died in infancy. Purchasing an old estate in Ontario in 1943, e worked hard and thoroughly enjoyed 31 ears on the fruit farm. The whole family worked together during many of those ears. Anticipating retirement, the couple uilt a home in Virgil, Ontario which they ave enjoyed since April of 1974. Mr. Neufeld was deeply involved in hurch and civic affairs. In the Virgil church e served faithfully as deacon for over 25 years, often counselling and showing unseen ways. He was also Sunday schoo teacher in an adult class. Because of hi concern for Christian education he was in volved in the founding of Eden Christian College in 1946 and served as treasurer o the Eden Board. As a member of th Canadian Board of Colonization and Relie their home was open to immigrants on several occasions. For many years he served on local schoo boards. More recently he served on th Regional Land Division Committee and helped in the planning of a Senior Citizen' Home for Virgil. Mr. Neufeld had been given good health until his heart began to fail a week befor his passing. During the last week in th hospital the entire family was able to visi him. On October the Lord saw fit to tak Mr. Neufeld to himself during the hour o his daily morning devotions. Funeral services wer held October 14 a the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church, and assistant pastor John Klassen officiated Rev. Abram Block and Rev. Rudy Barte offered messages of comfort. Rev. Block based his message of hope on Romans 15:4 In Rev. Bartel's thoughts on victory it wa 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.