John Neufeld, our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on November 22, 2012 at the age of 95. His wife Frieda was by his side.
John was predeceased by wife Katie in 1946, wife Tina in 1990, daughter Elfriede in 1942, son Elmer in 1951, four brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by wife Frieda; brothers: Corny and Frank; son, Don (Kae); daughter, Dorothy (Ron Hoffart); son, Dave (Darlene); and daughter, Vicki (Matthew Talbot); 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Frieda’s sons: Ron (Martha), Dave (Janet); daughter, Betty (Ferd Wuensche); and sons: Steve (Bev) and Vic (Miriam); together with 17 step grandchildren and 14 step great-grandchildren.
John was born in Russia and immigrated to Canada at age 13 where he worked as a farmer until moving to Edmonton with a young family in the 1950’s. There he worked as a truck driver, milk delivery man, and school custodian. In 1964 he moved to the Fraser Valley where he lived until his passing.
John was very active in church leadership in Edmonton and was one of the founders of the Lendrum MB Church in that city. He was a man of faith and lived a consistent life.
John took great pride in his family, watching the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The size of his family more than doubled on the day in 1991 that he married Frieda Ratzlaff. Frieda was an amazing friend and partner to John for over 21 years. Her family and social circles added new richness to his life.
The family is very thankful for the doctors who looked after John and for the staff at Valleyhaven Retirement Community who demonstrated care and compassion each day.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 1:30 pm at Central Community Church at 46100 Chilliwack Central Rd, Chilliwack, BC. Pastor Ron van Akker officiating. Family and friends are welcome.