Neufeld, Jake G. (1934-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Oct 26 p. 25

Birth date: 1934 Mar 20

text of obituary:

JAKE G. NEUFELD

Jacob "Jake" G. Neufeld of Winkler, Man. passed away suddenly Sept. 6 during a test at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. He was born Mar. 20, 1934 to George W. and Justina Neufeld near Horndean, Man. At a young age, he prayed with his mother to ask Jesus to be his Saviour. He was baptized June 20, 1948 and joined Grosweide MB Church. He studied 4 years at Winkler Bible Institute, graduating in 1955. He married Ruth Unger Sept. 16, 1956; their wedding text was Phil. 4:9. They lived in Winnipeg, and he worked in a furniture factory. They moved back in 1957, built a house and farmed with his father-in-law for 18 years. In 1969 they moved the house and barn to another farm, where they lived for 20 years. He loved the land, to see crops grow and to reap the harvest. He trusted God to provide, subsidizing his income by driving a caterpillar after a bad harvest in 1967 and driving school bus. He provided lay leadership in Horndean MB Church. He led the choir with Ruth for 21 years and taught Sunday school for many years. He was asked to pastor the church in 1975 and was ordained Aug. 26, 1979. Each day began and ended with family devotions. He found a way for the family to have a vacation in the summers, often camping in the Canadian Rockies. He recognized God's hand in all creation. In 1983 he began having heart problems. In 1989 he retired from farming and moved to Winkler. He was pastor to the seniors at Winkler MB Church until July 1993, when he had heart surgery. He was able to maintain a reasonable quality of life until Christmas 2000. He and Ruth enjoyed travelling in Canada and the US. He enjoyed the simple things in life. He was a faithful, loving husband, willing to help his family in practical ways. He had a deep faith in God. Throughout his illness, he trusted in the sovereign will of God. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by Ruth; children Rod of Morden, Man., Audrey Dyck of Winkler and Travis of Winkler; 2 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Sept. 10 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block and Ted Goossen ministering.