Neufeld, Johann M. (1893-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Nov 02 p. 30

Birth date: 1893 Sep 09

text of obituary:

JOHANN M. NEUFELD

Johann M. Neufeld of Herbert, Sask. was born in Russia on September 9, 1893 to Martin and Helena (nee Teichroeb) Neufeld. He received his teacher training in the Ukraine and began his teaching career in Paulsheim in 1914. During World War 1 he served in the Russian medical corps for about three and a half years. During the revolution which followed he committed his life to the Lord and received assurance of forgiveness for his sins. He was married to Helena Peters in 1920 and in the same year was ordained to the preaching ministry. They came to Canada in 1923 and took up residence in t he Herbert area. He was deeply concerned for the spiritual welfare of his family and the brotherhood and God graciously used him in his service.

Following a stroke in 1953 he moved to Herbert with his wife. After a car accident in 1965 his declining years were often difficult, but he bore them patiently. Though he felt his service had been very imperfect, he found peace and comfort in the assurance that "not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us." He passed into the presence of the Lord on September 23. He reached the age of 80 years.

He is survived by his wife Helena; two sons, John of Herbert and Henry of Kitchener; seven daughters, Mary (Mrs. Peter) Klassen of Steinbach, Helen Neufeld of Moose Jaw, Kay (Mrs. Dan) Friesen, Dufresne, Man., Nettie (Mrs. Albert) Falk of Herbert, Lydia Neufeld, also of Herbert, Elma (Mrs. Jake) Wiebe of Swift Current, Frieda (Mrs. John) Arent of Steinbach; and 29 grandchldren and five great grandchildren.