Edward Leland Neuenfeldt

All my family thought very highly of Ed. I remember Ed well, as he was the minister at the Presbyterian church while I was living in Sandy and playing the organ/piano at church many Sundays. Please know that you're all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. (This photo is 10 yrs old, taken when Daddy was 90)

Sending prayers and hugs to all of you. We have so many fond memories of the years we were blessed to have you with us in Merrill. Ed was a Godly person and a great roll model to all. He will live on in our hearts.

Gentle, meek, caring just a few of the words that describe this great man. I for one will miss his quiet yet impactful presence. He is and will always be a strong figure in my memory, a leader by example.

Mayme L. Kidd

Condolences and God's blessings to you all. I believe Ed lived a special and fulfilling life. May the many memories help to sustain you during this difficult time. It's been many years since I've seen you all, especially Carl, Katie and Erica. :)

So nicely written. What a wonderful and exemplary life. Though I only met Ed on a few occasions, he made a lasting impact. Amazing how strongly gentleness and kindness can affect you! I would love to see some images of his artwork posted on facebook someday, too! Chris and Rob, we love you and think very often of you, especially now in this time.

Dear Aunt Jan, Chris, Carl, Katie, and Erica,

Uncle Ed was and is a Godly man. During recent years on our occasional visits to Portland we visited him and Jan at their home on Millmain and later at the assisted living center on Halsey. Ed was always smiling, hopeful, and encouraging. He loved to hear about people coming to Christ and always affirmed us to "keep up your work for the Lord." We occasionally exchanged books. During our last visit in September, 2014, he mentioned how blessed he was to have recently re-read a devotional book I'd given him many years before. Uncle Ed challenged us in that he was constantly reading and learning something new, especially about the Lord and His Word. He particularly enjoyed having meals at the assisted living center with a retired Baptist pastor who also lived there. Uncle Ed loved to share thoughts and insights from the Bible and on Christian topics with that fellow pastor.

When we "Kennedy kids" lost our parents(Mom, as you know, was Ed's older sister)in the early '70s, Ed and Jan willingly became legal guardians for the four of us seven who were still minors. They assumed that responsibility in spite of Ed's heavy ministry load and the challenges of raising you four children.

I remember Mom telling me how Uncle Ed felt called by God to become a pastor when he finished his degree at the University of Oregon. The calling to Christian ministry is certainly not a calling to fame and worldly fortune. In fact, to me Uncle Ed was a "typical" pastor.......never pastored a big church, never published a book, wasn't a famous preacher, served in quiet, unnoticed places, and faithfully cared for peoples' needs without expectation of reward or acknowledgement. But he was also a quietly courageous man. In the 1960's when migrant workers in Oregon needed an advocate Uncle Ed was among the few who spoke up for the downtrodden and helped secure better working and living conditions for them.

I have always admired Uncle Ed and I thank God for the example he will continue to be in our lives as Pam and I follow the Lord's leading in full time pastoral ministry.

As you so fittingly shared in the obituary, we can be confident Uncle Ed heard these words from Jesus as he entered heaven...."Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." (Matthew 25:21)

Love,

Bill and Pam

We are so very sorry for your loss. Larry fondly remembers Ed from our earlier years in Reedsport, Oregon and their shared efforts on Presbytery committees and teams. Our prayers go out to Jan and family, especially Chris and Rob. He now has the answers we all seek. Blessings, Larry and Diane Porter