Obituary of Robert John Neufeld

Robert John Neufeld passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, after many years of health issues.

He is survived by his father John F. Neufeld, brother Ken (Rhonda), sisters Sharon and Catherine (Brian), six nieces, four nephews and their spouses, 18 great-nieces, and five great-nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother Joanne Neufeld and nephew Jevan Karnes.

Robert was born in Winnipeg on October 31, 1964. As a young child he was already showing natural talent at the piano in the home and started taking piano lessons, and then organ lessons.

Robert was baptized November 1, 1981, at the age of 17 at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach.

He graduated from Steinbach Regional Secondary School and went on to obtain degrees in Theology and Music from Canadian Mennonite University and University of Winnipeg.

Among some mainstream jobs, Robert was mainly involved as a musician with running music workshops, directing choirs, and accompanying other music artists with piano or organ. He was the Executive director of Manitoba Choral Association for 14 years and worked at Choral Canada.

Robert was the choir director at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church for 14 years. He lived in Winnipeg for the past 14 years and just moved back to Steinbach 1 ½ years ago. Currently he was the organist at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg and played his last service on Sunday, October 23, 2022. He was a firm believer in using music to worship God and his life reflected this.

Robert had multiple major health issues in the last eight years, and after each surgery or treatment he came back positive and thankful to be able to continue to participate in what he loved… Music.

Robert dearly loved his family and friends and he was a wonderful and caring uncle to his nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Robert was an active caregiver to his parents. Especially these last 16 months, living at Fernwood where his dad also lived, has been a blessing. He was very much a beloved brother, and he will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, Steinbach, MB, with a viewing prior to the service at 9:30 a.m.  Interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastman Youth Choir, 41 Granite Park Blvd., Steinbach, Manitoba  R5G 2A9.