Jacob John “Opa” Neff, 93, peacefully passed away on May 7, 2016, in Arlington with his loving wife by his side.
He was born on February 28, 1923, in Appenzell, Switzerland, to Anton and Marie Neff. After completing his education, he headed to America, where he traveled extensively around the United States from 1948 to 1953. As promised to his mother, he would return to Switzerland in five years. He left Switzerland on Christmas Eve, and returned exactly five years later, again on Christmas Eve. Soon after, he married his wife, Brunhilde Buschor on June 1, 1954. They traveled shortly thereafter to America, where they settled in Washington State, dairy farming. They lived and worked in Snohomish County for 59 years. He continued to go to the farm and work on a daily basis until he was 80.
Opa loved to play Jass (Swiss Cards), hike, go on fishing trips and road trips. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Brunhilde Neff; his five children, Jacob (Carrie) Neff, Marcus Neff, Simon (Cherene) Neff, Heidi (Steve) Atterson, Gretchen (Guy) Jones; his wonderful grandchildren, Jacob (Rachel) Neff, Melissa (Andrew) Albert, Emily Neff, Christoph Neff (Felicia), Jennifer (Krieg) Holland, Amanda Neff (Steven), Marcus Neff, Jessica (Dan) Ely, Nicole Neff, Simon Neff (Allison), Andrea Neff (Kenton), Alex Neff, Steve Atterson (Robyn) and Chrissy Atterson (Jeremy): 10 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings, Tony, Louie, Joe, Marie Steiner, Elizabeth Armstrong and six nephews.
Dad always said Mom was the best companion, spending every day with him.
Thank you Mom for loving and taking care of him, and thank you to Simon’s family for opening their home to them.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00, Friday, May 20, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1200 East 5th, Arlington, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Snohomish County.