WILLIAM ISAAK NEUFELD

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WILLIAM ISAAK NEUFELD It is with sadness that the family of William Isaak Neufeld announces his passing at the age of 97. William died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at Donwood Manor. He is survived by daughters, Ingrid, Karin (Herb Suderman), Wili (Jack Bass); and son Gerald (Ellen). He is also survived by grandchildren, Kelly (Shawn Neumann), Heather (Greg Wiens), Tiffany (David Loewen), Andrew (Meg), Kathryn (Daniel Barczi), Jennifer (Ethan Ralph), Stephanie; and seven great-grandchildren: Aaron, Hannah, Sofia, Tomas, Indra, Bethany, and Cayden. He was predeceased by his wife Hilde, and great-grandson Nathan. William was born in Waldheim, Russia on November 10, 1908 to parents, Isaak and Anna Neufeld (nee Koehn). He attended the village school in Waldheim for three years until the Revolution of 1917. His schooling was interrupted again and again for seven years as his parents moved from place to place, either in fear of terrorism or in order to find means of livelihood. The Neufeld family immigrated to Canada in 1926. At the age of seven, William made a commitment to Jesus Christ at an evangelistic meeting led by Missionary Dyck of the Tent Mission. In Winnipeg, under the inspiring preaching of C.N. Hiebert, he recommitted his life to God and was baptized. In 1941, William married Hildegard Neufeld and they had four children. William became a teacher and taught English and History at MEI in Clearbrook, BC for 13 years. In 1959, he was ordained as a minister and became pastor of South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church for seven years. In 1966, he moved back to Winnipeg and pastured at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church for 13 years. He retired at the age of 70. In retirement, he kept busy preaching, travelling and writing a number of books. In his last years, he spent time reading his Bible and other books, listening to music, and keeping up with the news. He enjoyed visits from his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. They will miss him greatly, but rejoice that he is now with his Father in heaven. Many thanks to Donwood Manor for the excellent care and kindness they showed him in his last days. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 24, at 9:30 a.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road, Winnipeg. Viewing on Wednesday, August 23, from 7:00 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. Donations may be made to Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services International. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2006