Arthur 'Art' Lowel Neufeld, 84

Arthur "Art" Lowel Neufeld, 84, passed Nov. 5, 2006, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born Aug. 31, 1922, in Lustre, Mont., the son of Jacob and Emily (Lantzer) Neufeld.

His German parents were immigrants from Russia to Montana around 1918. Art's earlier years were spent on a farm in Glasgow. He graduated from Glasgow High School in 1941.

In 1942 he married his high school sweetheart, Bess Rogers. They were able to celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary this year. Art and Bess had two children, Carol and Allan.

Art and his family left their farm and lived in Havre and Great Falls for a short time before settling in Kalispell in 1953. He eventually started his own construction company. He ran his successful business until 1978, at which time he suffered a serious head injury from a snowmobile accident. After the accident he had to overcome many obstacles in his life, including the death of his son from cancer in 1985.

Art loved the Lord and served as an elder in his church for several years and a highlight in his life was a mission trip to Africa. He also served as a Gideon.

He was an accomplished musician, playing the harmonica and clarinet.

He loved ministering to the elderly and spent several years volunteering at Brendan House and other long term care facilities. In 1993 he was awarded "Senior Volunteer of the Year" by the United Way.

He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing the most. He loved being at his Ashley Lake cabin where he built a craft workshop. When he wasn't fishing, he could be found in his shop making beautiful wood products for his family and friends.

Art was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters, and his son Allan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bess; his daughter, Carol Jean Counsell, and her husband, Don; his grandson, Tim Stocklin, and wife, Andrea; and two great-grandchildren, Parker and Peyton.

Visitation for Art will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A memorial service to celebrate Art's life will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, the Christian Center/Assembly of God with Pastor John Weaver and Pastor Robert Ross officiating.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Art's family.