Neufeld, Gerhard G., 1902-1997

Person

Neufeld, Gerhard G., 1902-1997

1902-1997

Gerhard G. Neufeld was born on November 5, 1902 in Lichtenau, South Russia. In 1924 G.G. Neufeld and Helena Warkentin were married in Russia. Several months later, however, due to the conflict in Russia, they emigrated to Canada. In 1925 the Neufeld's settled in Whitewater, Manitoba where they established a small farming operation. Along with his farming responsibilities G.G. Neufeld was also very active in the Whitewater Mennonite Church, which was formed in 1925. On May 26, 1927 G.G. Neufeld was elected to the ministry of the Whitewater Mennonite Church and in 1938 Neufeld was elected to lead the Whitewater congregations. In 1939 the Whitewater Mennonite Church consisted of seven local congregations in Boissevain (Whitewater), Crystal City, Lena, Manitou, Mather, Ninga and Rivers.

In 1947 the Canadian Mennonite Conference requested that G.G. Neufeld represent them as a delegate to examine the state of affairs of the Mennonite settlements in Brazil and Paraguay. Rev. Neufeld accepted this request and in January of 1948 left Canada for South America. The itinerary of Rev. Neufeld took him to Brazil where, in Curitiba, he officiated at the ordination of David Koop, a friend from his youth in Russia. He also visited the Mennonite settlements in Witmarsum, Brazil. While in Paraguay Neufeld traveled to the colonies of Volendam, Neuland and Fernheim where many Mennonite families arriving from Russia were settling. In total Neufeld spent approximately six months in South America.

Upon his return to Canada Neufeld continued with his official duties with the various congregations of the Whitewater Mennonite Church until his retirement in 1965. However, throughout his retirement Neufeld continued to hold the title of Elder, preaching and performing ministerial duties in the Boissevain area. In 1988, Gerhard and Helena moved into an apartment at the Bethania seniors complex in Winnipeg. There, in July of 1989 Gerhard and Helena, together with family and friends, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. In September of the following year, Helena Neufeld passed away. G.G. Neufeld continued to live at the Bethania apartments until 1993 when he moved to the Bethania personal care home. G.G. Neufeld passed away in April of 1997.

• Aeltester of the Whitewater Mennonite Church

GRANDMA ID:158265

Added historical sketch written by Myron Dyck (2000) and updated by Sharon H.H. Brown (2002), May 2020, AHR.