Neufeld, Helena Buhler (1863-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Jan 24 p. 3

Birth date: 1863 Mar 8

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA NEUFELD

Mrs. Helena Neufeld, nee Buhler, was born in Marienthal, South Russia, March 8, 1863. In 1874, at the age of 11 years, she came to America with her parents, Abraham Buhlers. They found a home on a farm south of Mountain Lake, Minnesota.

At the age of 18 she felt the need of a Savior, joined the catechism class instructed by Elder Aron Wall and was baptized upon the confession of her faith. Later she joined the First Mennonite church.

On July 11, 1882, she joined Gerhard G. Neufeld, a widower, in holy wedlock and became the mother of his two daughters. They made their home on a farm one mile east of Mountain Lake and shared joys and sorrows till the sudden departure of our father on May 8, 1922. This loss she felt very keenly. Her strong faith, that had been tested many times before, helped her to bear the burdens that were now resting upon her. In 1930 she left the farm and moved to town, where she spent the remainder of her days.

Her strength failed gradually last year and medical aid was sought. It was found that she was anemic. in November she became seriously ill. After three weeks in bed, she regained enough strength that she could be up again. It was her desire to have one more Christmas family reunion. This wish was granted her, but the joy of this day was lessened because she became ill of the flu on Saturday, December 22. She was very sick till Friday evening, December 28, 20 minutes of 10 o'clock, when the Lord relieved her of her suffering. She reached the age of 82 years, 9 months and 20 days.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, January 2, at 2:00 o'clock in the First Mennonite church with the Rev. I. J. Dick in charge. Rev. Victor Graber and Rev. H. E. Wiens assisted in the services.

The following grandsons acted as pallbearers: Leonard Nickel, Arthur Fast, Gerhard Toews, Jr., Fernando Fast, George Janzen and Gerhard Buhr.

Those who feel the loss of a loving and praying mother are nine children: Anna (Mrs. Henry J. Janzen), Justina (Mrs. Henry T. Nickel), Gerhard B., Maria (Mrs. Peter P. Buhr), Abraham B., Helen and Peter B., all of Mountain Lake; Agatha (Mrs. Abraham P. Fast), Delft, Minnesota and Susanna (Mrs. Gerhard J. Toews), Freeman, South Dakota; three daughters-in-law; five sons-in-law, 39 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Jacob H. Wall. Father, five children, one daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren preceded her in death.

Mother Is Resting Now

Resting now, life's voyage o'er
Pain and grief to know no more;
Safely on the Heavenly shore,
Resting now, with Christ at home
Never more from Him to roam,
Gone for aye earth's darkening gloom,
Resting now, Sweetly resting now.

— The Children.