May 22, 1932 – October 31, 2020
John Victor Neufeld passed away peacefully on October 31, 2020. We will miss his quiet and steady presence. John was born on the Neufeld homestead east of Didsbury the 7th child born to Cornelius A. and Margaretha Neufeld. Sports was an important part of John’s youth, he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball on the local teams along with his brothers.
While attending a church youth group he met the love of his life, Selma Krause. They were married October 30, 1955 and spent the first years of their marriage living in Calgary while John worked as a bookkeeper for Parkdale Bedding. As time went on their family grew with the addition of three children, Sharon, Ken and Ernie. Then the opportunity came to live and work in John’s hometown of Didsbury so the move was made. Initially he worked alongside Selma as cooks at the local Bible College. After that John started his trucking career. First hauling cargo for Didsbury Cartage, then driving fuel truck for Shell and then driving for the road maintenance crew in the County of Mountain View for over 20 years.
Sports continued to be an important part of John’s life. He enjoyed being a linesman for Senior Men’s Hockey, golfing, curling, baseball and in his later years getting amazing scores at the bowling league in Olds. His natural athletic ability gave him and his sons many hours of enjoyment. Woodworking was another hobby John blessed his family with. Building cradles, birdhouses and porch swings as well as being willing to help with whatever construction project his children and grandchildren had on the go. John enjoyed fishing/camping trips with Selma. He spent many hours fishing and camping became an annual event as a family and continued even as the family grew with in-laws and grandchildren. Our last family camp out was in June 2012, Selma’s declining health meant it was sadly time to sell their trailer.
John will be greatly missed by his daughter, Sharon (Larry) Hildebrandt, sons Ken (Nancy) Neufeld, Ernie (Conny) Neufeld; nine grandchildren; thirty one great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers Dave Neufeld, Leonard (Ann) Neufeld and sister Esther Christianson; sisters-in-law Susie Neufeld, Edna Neufeld, Anne Braul and Linda Krause.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Selma this past June; his parents Cornelius A. and Margaretha Neufeld; brothers Ben, Frank, Henry, Erdman, Reuben; sister Frieda as well as numerous brother and sister-in-laws. The family would like to thank Bethany Didsbury staff for the wonderful care Dad received in his final days. A private family service was held. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alberta Children’s Hospital. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Didsbury entrusted with arrangements. 403-335-4773 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
