Neufeld, Norman Herbert (1943-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jun 9 p. 27

Birth date: 1943 Nov 19

Text of obituary:

NORMAN HERBERT NEUFELD

Norman Herbert Neufeld of Steinbach, Man. passed away Feb. 19. He was born Nov. 19, 1943to Henry and Lydia Neufeld in Herbert, Sask. He grew up in B.C.'s Fraser Valley, where life on the farm included milking cows, picking strawberries, hoeing beans and playing baseball. He attended Columbia Bible College and graduated from MB Bible College and Wilfrid Laurier University. He married Irene Braun June 1, 1968 in St. Catharines, Ont. He earned an M.Div. at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. in 1970. He had an unflagging commitment to the church and a passion for people, desiring to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. He loved God's Word and delighted in studying it and teaching it to others. He and Irene pastored in Onida, S.D., Stoney Creek, Ont., Regina, Winnipeg and Steinbach. Shortly after arriving in Steinbach, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. A bone marrow transplant from his sister Alita was done in January 1999. In May, a blood test showed no trace of the disease. Complications arose in February 2000. Throughout the struggle, he was an example of courage and faith. He had an infectious humour and the grace to take himself lightly. His sermons were permeated with warmth and a passionate love for God and His church, teaching his listeners to take hold of life with zest but to treat others with tenderness. Predeceased by 1 brother and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Irene; daughter Karis; sons Jason and Justin; 1 grandson; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. The memorial service was Feb. 23 in Steinbach MB Church, with Herb Kopp and Justin Neufeld ministering.