Melvin R. Neufeld

Heaven gained an angel on October 4th. My sweet and loving Daddy gained his wings and was reunited with the absolute love of his life. Melvin R. Neufeld joined his beautiful wife, Barbara J. Neufeld, as well as my hilarious husband, Robert F. Heinz. I’m positive they welcomed Daddy with open arms and huge smiles on their faces. No doubt Rob whipped up a culinary masterpiece for them. After Mom’s passing in May 2013, Dad moved out of our home of 32 years into the Devonshire Retirement Community where he made countless friends and many fond memories. After all, Daddy didn’t meet a stranger! He was especially fond of Lenny, Frank and BJ. They were the 4 Musketeers! When we spoke on the phone, I’d love his stories about their shenanigans together. Ms. Liz Green was near and dear to Dad’s heart, too. He was always so grateful for his friendship with her and felt blessed to be treated so well by her Family. I was unapologetic about being a Daddy’s girl. He would tell anyone who’d listen that every man should be blessed with a baby girl. Growing up, if he was leaving the house, I went with him! My childhood was idyllic. Both Mom and Dad made holidays, special occasions and even boring everyday life memorable. We all loved Disney World and vacationed there countless times. Dad often said he wished he’d kept track of our trips to see the Mouse where being a kid was embraced. My love of photography and capturing “moments” came directly from Dad. There was nothing better than our family nights going through the slides projected onto the screen from pictures that Dad had taken of us. Oh, the stories and memories I have! Sadly, his health deteriorated in the last month of his Life. He was found unresponsive at the Devonshire on September 18th, and was hospitalized. Ultimately, he went to the ICU intubated with a central line. He’d suffered a mild stroke and had lost mobility on his right side. He rallied, though, in true fashion. I will forever be grateful for the time that I spent with him in September. He passed away shortly after being discharged and transferred to rehab. He had disclosed to me while spending time together in the hospital that he was ready to go. I wasn’t ready to hear that, but I know he just wanted to see Mom. Per his wish, I laid him peacefully to rest yesterday, October 10th, at 9am in the Hoffnungsau Cemetery. In addition to Mom, Daddy has joined his parents, John and Elizabeth Neufeld (my dear Granny and Grandpy), as well as his beloved Uncle Pete Schroeder. Yesterday was a Chamber of Commerce weather day. He would have said it was “wonderful!” His favorite hymns were played. My best friend, Jessica, was there to make saying my final Earthly farewell bearable. Daddy always commented how grateful he was that I have such dear friends who have become my family. I got that quality of making lasting relationships from him. I will forever love you, Pops!!

Melvin R. Neufeld

July 3, 1938 - October 4, 2022