JOHN (HANS) NEUFELD

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JOHN (HANS) NEUFELD John (Hans) Neufeld, born on October 28, 1902 in Griegorjewka, Charkow, Ukraine, passed away on January 14, 2002 after a short hospital stay. He was predeceased by his loving wife Anna in 1986 after 61 years of marriage; and his daughter Susan in 1988. He survived the 13 brothers and sisters who went before him; he was the last of his generation! John will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, son John (Connie), grandchildren, Sharon, Barbara and Janice; son Neil (Joyce), grand-children, Candice, David, Nancy and Doug; son Hank (Gen), grandchildren, Tom, Myke, Darlene and Joan; son-in-law Earl (Dorothy), grand-children, Shannon, Todd and Darren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was fondly known as "uncle John" by his many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren, who paid tribute to him in song, verse and salutes at what became a tradition of birthday parties from age 90 to 99. He always had a particular affinity and affection for children and he delighted in telling stories and bouncing them on his knees to which they responded with chortling and laughter and big hugs. He was very special to many and will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humour, a ready smile and a tendency to break into song at the slightest suggestion. John and Anna, arrived as immigrants to Canada in 1925, after fleeing their birthplace under very trying circumstances. If asked, John would say he had a full and largely happy life with more ups than downs. The early years in Rosenfeld were, to say the least, challenging. Much of that time he worked on the Section Gang, which was very arduous, part-time and quite unrewarding. The depression was not all kind to him and his family. Things improved considerably after moving to Winnipeg at the beginning of the Second World War. His job, building trucks for the war effort, followed by his years at Monarch Machinery and Annas work in the needle-trade and running a rooming house, provided enough income to meet their modest needs. Throughout, they always had a small garden with some of the produce always ending up in the neighbours or friends soup pot. Upon retirement there was a chance to do some travelling, mostly in their beloved Canada to visit children and grandchildren in places like Victoria, Kitimat, Vancouver, Calgary, Dryden, Toronto, Kingston, Montreal, Truro, etc. Singing in the church choir was a joy for him. Not a man of many hobbies, he cherished his fishing for sauger at Lockport. Sincere appreciation to Adina, Dorothy, Earl and Shannon for their contribution to grandpas quality of life, over the past years. Thanks also to the nursing staff at Concordia Hospital. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. at North Kildonan Mennonite Church, 1131 Roch St. at Cheriton. Viewing Wednesday, January 16, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy., and at the church prior to the service. Interment in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Donations in Johns memory may be made to a charity of your choice or to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 16, 2002