Harold Neufeld, M.D

Harold Neufeld, M.D., passed away peaceably July 26, 2018, in Eureka, Calif. He was one month away from his 94th birthday.

Harold was born in 1924 to Justina (Williams) and Nicolai Neufeld near Shafter, Calif. He often recalled with fondness his early life on the family farm. He wed Olga L. Lichti in 1944 and, after his service in the U.S. Army, attended and graduated from Bethel College in Newton, Kansas. He went on to the University of Kansas Medical School. All five of his children were born before he completed his internship.

In 1957, the family moved to Fallbrook, Calif. and Harold practiced medicine there for many years. He and his partner were instrumental in establishing the Fallbrook Community Hospital.

After his retirement in 1982, Harold and Olga lived for 12 years in their motorhome traveling throughout the western United States, stopping at interesting places here and there, to try the fishing in streams and lakes, and to investigate used book stores for treasures. Their wanderings ended in northern California where they have lived for the past 18 years.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; four older brothers, Edwin, Lester, Ernest, and Vernon Neufeld; and sons Richard and Randy Neufeld.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Olga Neufeld of Eureka, Calif.; son Harold Neufeld (Mary) of Shelter Cove, Calif.; daughters Susan (Bill) Rhoads of Brookings, Oregon, and Barbara Finn of Rio Dell, Calif.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and by his twin sister, Erma Funk of Wasco, Calif.

Once a dedicated physician, an enthusiastic fisherman, and a devoted gardener, in recent years Harold Neufeld's dementia had robbed him of many wonderful memories and his ability to express himself in words. Yet he continued to recognize faces and enjoy the company of his loved ones, remaining the gentle, kind man he always had been. He lived a good, full life; he will be missed.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice and his Alder Bay caregivers for their dedication and support.