Erna (Walde) Neufeld

Erna Neufeld, our precious mother, age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the Southwest Integrated Health Facility, Maple Creek, SK. She was a wonderful mother and friend and will be greatly missed.

Erna was born on September 8, 1927 in Chortitza, Ukraine to Abram & Helena Walde, and immigrated to Canada with her parents in her first year. She had many adventures during those first years on the prairies, they worked hard and established the family farm near Kindersley, SK. Mom was the oldest of seven siblings, one of whom died in infancy. On her first day of school, Erna was introduced to the English language and from that point on she took her education seriously, completing her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Her first official job was at the Swift Current Union Hospital, where she planned to get a footing and then travel the world. Along came a handsome distraction named Frank Neufeld, and a different dream took over.

They were married in 1953 and were happily together for over 60 years until Frank’s death in 2013. The Lord blessed Erna & Frank with five children — Carol, Lorraine, Arlene, Marvin, and David. The family enjoyed many years largely centered around their home. Erna was a great cook and famous for her apple pies, which she and Frank made in batches of twenty-five for distribution around Swift Current — many have enjoyed her great pies. They gardened as a family (although Erna worked the hardest), enjoyed camping, school activities, lots of Scrabble games, music, and coffee. 

Erna was a follower of Jesus Christ and that was the foundation for her incredible love and compassion for others — whether through her work in the hospital, her life at home, or her generosity to the less fortunate around the world. In their retirement years, Erna & Frank were often found at Tim Horton’s or McDonald’s, having coffee with old friends while always making new ones, like Mike & Veena Hockridge and their children, Krishin and Amisha. After Frank’s death, Erna moved to the Prairie Pioneer Manor in Swift Current and loved her years there. When she needed greater care, she moved to the long-term care facility in Maple Creek, where she made new friends and received wonderful care.

Erna is survived by her children and their families, Carol  (Robert) Schroeder (Gera, Germany) and their sons, Michael (Tracy), Ryan (Alexandra), and Jonathan; Lorraine (Albert) Langemann (Littleton, Colorado) and their children, Joshua (Erin), Christy (Matthew) Johnson, Angela, Joseph (Rachel), Melody (Steve) Hamvas, William (Rebecca), Andrew (Courtney), Daniel, and Amy;  Marvin (Betty) Neufeld (Medicine Hat, AB) and their children, Carrie (Scott) Reavis, Melissa, and Dustin (Stefanie); and David (Shannon) Neufeld (Surrey, BC) and their children, Daniel (Ashley), Kaylee, and Sarah (Andy); her twenty-three great-grandchildren; her siblings, Herman (Alice), Agnes (Ed) Balzer, Verne (Gladys), and Frieda (Rick) Oliver; and by many nieces and nephews.

Erna was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank Neufeld; her daughter, Arlene Joy Neufeld, in infancy; her son-in-law, Albert Langemann; her parents, Abram & Helena Walde; and by her brothers, Reinhold Walde and Art Walde. 

The Funeral Service for Erna Neufeld was held on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm from the Full Gospel Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Schroeder and Pastor David Clarke officiating. “It is Well with My Soul” and “When We All Get to Heaven” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of William Langemann, with Erin Langemann serving as pianist and Angela Langemann serving as cellist. Special music was brought by Erna’s grandchildren. Tributes were given by Herman Walde, Lorrie Langemann, and Carol Schroeder. A photo presentation was given by the family. The ushers in the church were Barry Ljunggren and Rod Ljunggren.

The Private Family Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Mount Pleasant Burial Park, Swift Current, SK with Joshua Langemann, William Langemann, Dustin Neufeld, and Daniel Langemann serving as Pallbearers. Michael Schroeder, Ryan Schroeder, Jonathan Schroeder, Daniel Neufeld, Joseph Langemann, and Andrew Langemann served as Honorary Pallbearers.

In memory of Erna Neufeld, donations made to Robert Schroeder c/o European Christian Mission (5097 47th Ave, Delta, BC, V4K 4G5) or Lifeline Haiti c/o Bridges of Hope (PO Box 81 Stn Main, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Y3) would be appreciated by the family.

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