Edward Leland Neuenfeldt

The Reverand Edward L Neuenfeldt was born July 25, 1928 in Portland, Oregon; raised in Portland and Eugene and Graduated from the University of Oregon where he met his sweetheart Jan. With his degree in Art in 1951, he then began his calling and passion to serve his Lord and minister to God’s children. Ed and Jan were married May 18, 1952 and began their ministry at Clayton Federated Presbyterian-Methodist Church in Clayton, Illinois while he completed his study and graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary. Ed was called to Halfway, Oregon in 1956 and then in 1961 moved and settled in Sandy where he and Jan raised their children Chris, Carl, Katie and Erica. Ed was the pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church of Sandy until 1978. Ed was a founding member of the Community Action Center of Sandy and was Chairman of the Portland Area Migrant Council in the 1960’s. He faithfully served the Presbyterian Church and communities in which he lived with activities such as scoutmaster, art teacher, dean of a junior camp ; and many different leadership roles within the Presbytery of the Cascades. Ed was called to serve two churches in the lower Klamath Basin and pastored the Presbyterian Churches of Merrill and Malin from 1978 until his retirement in 1993. He and Jan celebrated with a trip to the Holy Lands which was a gift from the churches they had served during his more than 40 years of ministry.

They retired to Portland where Ed continued to serve through Nursing Home Ministries as chaplain and found a church home at Savage Memorial Presbyterian.

Ed enjoyed visiting and ministering to the shut-ins of the church. Rev Ed also served for a time as Pastor for Bryn Seion Welsh Church in Beavercreek, Oregon. In retirement, Ed rediscovered his love for art. He took several classes at the community college and did many oil paintings. Ed loved to read, walk, and swim; but the most precious times were those spent with family.

Ed was a humble man who loved God’s children and wanted to know their story. And he listened. Whether you were a homeless person or an important dignitary; Ed treated you with the same compassion and respect.

“Well done! My good and faithful servant.”