John was born on Thanksgiving Day 1950 to John and Tina Neufeld of Shafter, a wonderful surprise after they thought their family was complete! John was the first boy in his family of three big sisters, who adored that beautiful curly-haired baby! He grew up on a farm, and enjoyed the carefree life of a country boy as a small child. After attending elementary and high school in Shafter, John decided to stay in town and obtained a job at Shafter High School, where he worked for 27 years until his retirement in 2005. A hard-working, quiet and humble servant, he was well-liked by the students and staff. He was a standout Shafter High supporter, attending games and musical events, and encouraging students and coaches with his presence and his words. John was an intelligent thinker, and, though he wasn't quick to share his opinions, he was prepared to defend his statements with background material he had researched. After his retirement due to a work injury, he had more time to enrich his mind and pass along his gentle wit and wisdom. An avid gardener, John relished his produce, and proudly shared the plentiful harvests, along with recipes, with friends and neighbors. He was widely known for his BBQ skills and cooking prowess, and his willingness to share these talents. He also had time after retirement to take on more philanthropic endeavors, and was a regular volunteer with the Shafter Salvation Army's Welfare Division. John trusted in Jesus as his Savior and Lord at a young age, and served Him faithfully throughout his life. He was able to remain hopeful throughout his long ordeal with cancer because he was confident that, no matter what happened, he would be spending life eternally with his Lord and his loved ones. He was a member of Valley Bible Church in Shafter, ushering, serving in AWANA and youth groups, and wherever he was needed. He also had an amazingly beautiful bass voice, and had served on the worship team and even sung solos at his former places of worship. As a young man, he served alongside his parents at the Park Lane Chapel, a ministry of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. Later, he served at the Shafter Nazarene Church, and still later, at Shafter First Southern Baptist. He especially loved children, often entertaining them with his unusual birds and other pets. He became known as the "Gentle Giant" to many children and their parents who appreciated his big heart. John met the love of his life, Susan Baker, in December of 1990, and the two were married in January of 1992. They have lived and loved in Shafter for 22 years, raising their daughter Katy here. John was so proud of Katy – of her accomplishments and her character! He relished the privilege of walking her down the aisle and giving her in marriage to Marco Garcia, and of welcoming Marco into the family in 2012. Now John leaves Susan, Katy and Marco, along with his sisters Esther Eidsen and Mary Gardner with her husband Lloyd, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends who will miss his presence here on earth. But he joins the presence of his Savior, his infant son David, his parents and grandparents, his sister Helen, and his brother-in-law Eddie Eidsen, in their eternal home – far more glorious than we can ever imagine! The family would like to thank Dr. Ravi Patel and Nurse Practitioner Susana Bell, and the wonderful staff at CBCC for their care for John over the past years. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, July 2, at Valley Bible Church, 350 Pine Street, in Shafter, California. In lieu of flowers, in memory of John, please support John's nephews in their ministries as follows: Jeff and Cindy Eidsen, Reference #04250, InFaith, P.O. Box 370, Villanova, PA 19085 Brad and Ruth Eidsen, www.campforestsprings.org/donate