Obituary of Edwin Neufeld

Edwin Neufeld of Morris, Manitoba, passed away October 14, 2023 at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 85 years. A come and go reception will be held Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Emmanuel Baptist Church Reception Hall in Morris, Manitoba. A private family burial will take place prior to the gathering at the Lowe Farm Cemetery. Dad was predeceased by his wife Verna (nee Gerbrandt) in 2011, his granddaughter Natalie Dreger-Wall in 2020, his parents Abe and Nettie Neufeld both in 1994 and brother Edward Neufeld in 2021. Remaining to forever cherish his memory are daughters Jorlene (Jeff) and Denise (Ray) and son Bryan (Barb). As well as 5 grandchildren Tamara (Rob), Derek (Richelle), Chris (Andrea), Tyrone and Skyler and 6 great-grandchildren Olivia, Ben, Zeila, Maverick, Keisha and Kendal. Dad was the second oldest child of eight. He worked on construction for Paul Braun Construction for many years. On June 11, 1960, Dad married Verna Gerbrandt and enjoyed almost 51 years together. Mom was his life & best friend. After they got married, they lived in Winnipeg for a very brief time. After their daughter Jorlene, born in March 1961, they moved to Lowe Farm. Dad got a job at Lowe Farm Consumers. In August 1962, their second daughter Denise was born. They purchased a farmyard in 1965 near Lowe Farm. In February 1970 their son Bryan (oops) was born. Dad did all that he could to provide for his family. That included juggling several jobs. He owned two businesses, Ed’s Water Hauling and Ed’s Livestock Hauling. We remember Dad as a very hard-working man his whole life who strived for perfection. We can still remember how the cheese had to be cut very straight and only butter and jam for example on a piece of bread … Never 3 things! And, of course, the knife could NEVER have a sticky handle, only the tip of the knife could be used. These stories were always brought up when we got together. Dad would just sit there with a smile on his face and say … “kids, kids”. We can also remember after a long hard day of work we just had to look at Dad and he would have this big smile on his face. We would all jump into the car and off to Morris we would go for either an ice cream cone or a milkshake. Dad had a very big sweet tooth (SERVERAL). “So please help yourselves to the chocolates” Dad could build or fix almost everything and recycle every possible item long before recycling was a thing. Whenever something was broken, he’d never throw it away. Dad always managed to have spare parts and with either crazy glue or a tube of fix-all he managed to make it work. If anyone ever needed a tarp strap Dad had lots. He would always stop every time he saw one lying on the highway which drove Mom crazy. In 1988 Dad sold the businesses and got a job working for the Highways Department. That same year they sold the farm and moved to Morris in a beautiful house trailer. Then in 2003 Dad retired from the Highways Department and got a job working for Brunet Construction for a couple of years. After boredom set in staying home, he went to work for Piston Ring delivering parts. In 2004, they decided to buy a house on Ottawa Street in Morris. Both Mom and Dad enjoyed gardening and took great pride in taking care of all the flowers. They enjoyed going on vacations and spending time with family and friends. Dad loved his family and had an extra soft spot for his grandchildren and later his great-grandchildren helping each one in any way he could. He was proud of their accomplishments no matter how big or small. Family meant everything to him especially his great-grandchildren. Dad was so proud to be called “Papa”. He loved playing with them and bringing them treats. It got to be a habit with Ben and Olivia that as soon as they would see him, they would say “What did you bring us Papa”? Dad was always the happiest surrounded by his family. He enjoyed cooking and baking. He enjoyed making his own soups and baking his own bread. He was known for his famous chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, apple crisp and made the best thin pancakes! When Mom got sick in 2011, Dad decided to retire completely to give all his time to care for her. On April 27, 2011, Mom passed away. A big part of Dad went too. Dad remained in his house until April of 2023 at which time he moved to Riverwood Supportive Housing in Winnipeg when his health and dementia was declining. Dad adjusted better than we ever expected in his new home and was even participating in the activities such as bingo, bus outings and courtyard entertainment. Dad was thoughtful, generous and would never hesitate to lend a hand to someone in need. He was known for his helpful manner and many skills. He was the “go to guy” who seemed to know how to fix most everything. His greatest joy was helping others. Dad loved gardening and took pride in keeping up with all the flowers. After Mom passed away, Dad believed and encouraged everyone to live for today because you never know what could happen. He has left us with so many memories and will be missed dearly. Dad will be remembered for his genuine heart, his smile and his understanding personality. We, the family, cannot express the pain we feel losing you, Dad. But in our hearts we know you are now with Mom. You are at peace and are no longer in pain and suffering. Our lives will never be the same without you. But our precious memories will remain in our thoughts. We will never stop loving you and will miss you dearly. We would like to say a special thank you to all the wonderful staff at Riverwood Square and to the wonderful and understanding staff at the Victoria Hospital. “In good times, in bad times, I’ll be by your side forever more… that’s what family is for.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice Rest in Peace, Dad The Family