Harvey Neufeld
Harvey James Neufeld, 93, of Lewiston, Idaho, formerly of Wolf Point died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, at Evergreen Estates in Clarkston, Idaho.
He was born Nov. 7, 1926, to Gerhard “George” H. Neufeld and Helen Sukau Neufeld in Mountain Lake, Minn. The family moved to Wolf Point around 1929. He was raised in Wolf Point, graduating from Wolf Point High School in 1944. During high school, participation in the marching band as a trumpet player and on the softball team provided enjoyable times, as did his part-time delivery-boy job with Buttrey’s.
High-school-day summers granted enthusiastic recreation for him. Along with several of his friends, the Tule Creek Baseball Team was founded. The team worked together, creatively and with perseverance, to create their own baseball field and to acquire their own uniforms. They won many games, with him most frequently and with agility, playing right field.
Beginning in March 1945, he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ranked staff sergeant, serving in Korea from July 1945 until December 1946.
Returning to Wolf Point, ambitious and hardworking, he established, owned and operated “King Pin Alleys” from 1949-51. As an accomplished bowler, he was honored with numerous trophies and awards.
Music always brought him joy. He was blessed with an innate ability for listening to and playing music. He was a self-taught, talented drummer. He and his musical buddies formed their own dance band, The Music Makers.
From 1951-57, he again worked diligently for Buttrey’s with his new clerk position. He married Evelyn Helen Schillinger June 17, 1952, in St. Ann’s Catholic Church at Vida and continued to reside in Wolf Point.
Beginning in January 1958, notable events transpired. First, he relocated to Lewistown as the manager of Buttrey Foods, followed by the birth of their first child, Helen Claire. Two years later, another daughter, Mary Kay, was born. August 1965 brought another opportunity for the family with their move to Lewiston, Idaho, where he opened and managed Buttrey’s Super Store, retiring in June 1984.
Community involvement was eminently valued with his service on the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce from 1965-84, including three years during the mid-1970s on the board of directors. Additionally, for seven years, he was active on the board of directors for the North Idaho Children’s Home. His time was also productively spent, serving on the board of directors for the United Way (1983-84) and on the board of directors for the Lewis-Clark Broncs (1966-70). He served on the board of directors for one year (1984) during his membership in the Downtown Rotary Club (1980-85).
While residing in Montana, he belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Affairs, Wolf Point/ Lewistown (1947-58) and the Eagles Club, Lewistown (1960-65). As well, he was a Lions Club member while in Lewistown from 1958-65. Lifetime memberships include B.P.O. Elks, beginning in 1948, and the Knights of Columbus from 1953.
He converted to Catholicism as a young man. He and Evelyn raised their children as Catholics, members of Our Lady of Lourdes, the most valuable component of their children’s upbringing. More recently, as the Lewiston Catholic churches consolidated, he was affiliated with All Saints Catholic Church.
He was an avid Washington State University fan and booster, having season tickets to both basketball and football for approximately 40 years.
He pursued golf while living in Lewiston and relished every occasion to do so, especially after retirement. Achieving a hole-in-one highlighted his golfing experience.
He was preceded in death by his wife; brother, Sylvester Carl Neufeld; and sisters, Elsie Mildred Mooney, Nina Gretchen Bond and Bernice Frances Hummer.
He is survived by his sister, Vernell Violet Knapp of Loveland, Colo.; daughters, Helen Claire Wanechek of Cle Elum, Wash., and Mary Kay Yuditsky of Coeur d’Alene; and two granddaughters.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Oct. 2, with a graveside service at Normal Hill Cemetery.
