Obituary for Helmut
This was by far the hardest article to write! I have had words flow out of me for the past 2.5 years for this blog keeping you all informed but this Obit is the finale, it’s the end, my Dad is at rest and not here with us anymore! Thank you to Mom for helping me get the words out.
BUT guess what??? We did win the battle…THE BEAST is gone and my Dad has been ultimately HEALED!! Rest easy Dad…I love you beyond words and miss you greatly!
JOHN “HELMUT” NEUFELD
Surrounded with love and with his family at his side, John “Helmut” Neufeld age 75 of Shoal Lake, Manitoba went to his eternal home on October 24, 2023. Though we are saddened by his passing we rejoice that he is now fully healed and with his Saviour Jesus Christ.
Helmut was born on August 10, 1948, in Grunthal, Manitoba and spent his youth living in the small farming community. Eager for adventure he went to Winnipeg where he owned and operated a small cartage company.
In 1971 he met the love of his life, Rosana Martens and they were married June 10, 1972. They were blessed in 1975 with the birth of their son Jason. At this time Helmut realized he would not be trucking the rest of his life and with the encouragement of his brother-in-law Larry, he decided to apply for the RCMP. In January 1976 he began training at Depot Division in Regina. After 6 months of intense training, he graduated and was stationed in Swan River, Manitoba. While in Swan River their daughter Shannon was born in 1978. Helmut’s family was always his top priority, putting them first in every aspect of his life.
In 1981 he was transferred to Ashern, Manitoba. Helmut and Rosana always made sure to involve themselves in the communities they lived in. Helmut played a big part of the Ashern Arena getting artificial ice, where he coached Jason in minor hockey. Also, while in Ashern he was part of the Barbershop Quartet where he sang Lead. Helmut had a beautiful voice and loved to sing the old hymns alongside Rosana and Shannon. After 7 years in Ashern he was transferred to Morden, Manitoba. In 1996 he got the call asking if he would promote to Corporal and went in charge of the Churchill RCMP Detachment.
Churchill was his most enjoyable posting, with many northern experiences with the people and of course the Polar Bears. Helmut has shared many stories of his time spent in the North. In 1999 he was again promoted to Sargent and went in charge of the Amaranth Detachment. At this time Helmut and Rosana lived “happily together in separate houses” when she returned to Ashern to nurse while he did his time in Amaranth!! In 2002 Helmut accepted his last promotion to Staff Sargent in charge of the Yellowhead RCMP and they moved to Shoal Lake, Manitoba. This was his last post, retiring in April of 2010 at the age of 62.
In 1983 Helmut and family became volunteers at the Manitoba Agriculture Museum in Austin Manitoba. His love of Minneapolis Moline Machinery earned him the name “The Minneapolis Man of Manitoba”. He spent every possible minute he could at the museum, or refurbishing Minneapolis Tractors wherever he was. The museum became a “home” for Helmut and the family as it was the place that they would all meet up, no matter where they were living at the time.
In Shoal Lake, Helmut and Rosana joined the local Lions Club of Lions Clubs International. During his tenure Helmut held many positions including District Governor in 2017/2018. Being Lions allowed them to make lasting friendships all over the world. He took pride in being a Lion and helping others whenever the opportunities arose.
In May of 2021 Helmut was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Brain Tumour. At that time, he was given a prognosis of 9-12 months. When he was told this, he told the doctor, “I am changing that to 9-12 years”. During the last 2 and a half years Helmut fought the toughest fight of his life, with grace and determination. He overcame many hurdles and surprised everyone around him with his positive outlook, strength but most importantly his unwavering Faith in God.
Helmut was predeceased by his Father Cornelius Neufeld, Mother Louise Neufeld, Sister Hedwig Hiebert, Brother-In-Law Dave Hiebert, Parents-In-Law Peter and Annie Martens, Sisters-In-Law Melinda Martens, Lillian Leschied and Brother-In-Law Richard Martens. He is survived by his loving Wife Rosana, Son Jason, Daughter Shannon (David) Dueck (Belle and Felicity), Brothers Albert (Shirley) Neufeld, Eric (Evelyn) Neufeld, Brothers-In-Law Justice Leschied, Len (Glenda) Martens, Larry (Lise) Martens, Sister-In-Law Evelyn (Larry) Hohn, and numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Pitz and staff at Cancer Care Manitoba and the Doctors and Staff at the Minnedosa Palliative Care Unit for their care and professionalism during Helmut’s last 2 and a half years. We would also like to thank Rick Thom from Rae’s Funeral Home for all his professional guidance during this difficult time.
Cremation has taken place, a Celebration of Life is planned for 2:00pm, November 12, 2023, at the Shoal Lake Community Hall. In leu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Manitoba Agricultural Museum
Provincial Trunk Hwy 34, Austin, MB, Austin MB R0H 0C0
Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs
152 Wilson St., Oakville ON L6K 0G6
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