Funk, Henry (1880-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Sep 29 p. 3

Birth date: 1880 Apr 18

text of obituary:

Oklahoma Minister Called by Death

REV. HENRY FUNK SERVED CONGREGATIONS AT HYDRO, EL RENO

Hydro, Okla. — Rev. Henry Funk, 75, retired Mennonite minister, died at the Okarche hospital Sept. 19 of a heart ailment from which he had suffered for several years.

Funeral services were held Sept. 21 in the Geary High School auditorium, Rev. Henry Hege of Geary and Rev. Waldo Kaufman of Hydro officiating.

Rev. Funk was born in Beltersroth, Germany and came to Halstead Kan. with his parents in 1890. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1900, and as a young man Rev. Funk spoke in a number of rural churches in the Geary area in addition to farming.

Later he served as pastor of the Bethel Mennonite Church, Hydro, and of the Mennoville Church, El Reno. He was ordained to the ministry Sept. 20, 1925.

Surviving are his wife Lydia; six children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Oct 6 p. 8

text of obituary:

REV. HENRY FUNK

Henry Funk, our husband and father, was born in Beltersroth, Germany, April 18, 1880. His parents were John Funk and Katherin [sic Katherina] Horsch Funk. In 1890 the family emigrated to America, arriving here May 2. They settled near Halstead, Kansas. It influenced his life profoundly and caused him to enter the ministry and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 1900 the family moved to Geary. Here father joined the First Mennonite church of Geary.

In June 1908 he joined hands in holy matrimony with Lydia Amstutz. The vows were read by Rev. J. S. Krehbiel. For 47 years we were privileged to enjoy the happiness and blessings of married life. Eight children were born to this union; six boys and two girls. One son, Harry, and one daughter, Helen, preceded him into eternity.

Father worked in a store as well as in the mill in Geary. In 1913 he began his life as a farmer and also preached the Word of God whenever an opportunity presented itself. We lived on several farms around Geary. When father took over the pastorate of the Mennoville and later the Hydo church, we also lived on the farm while he preached.

Sept. 20, 1925, he was ordained into the full ministry and eldership by Rev. J. B. Epp. Before this time he was often asked to speak in such churches as Canyon View, Deep Dale, Mountain View, and Midway Baptist church. Often services were held in the schoolhouses.

He was deeply interested in the work of the Kingdom of God, and was often called to other churches for evangelistic meetings. He loved to sing. His deep and abiding faith in the Word as well as in the love of God, his sweet smile and hearty handshake will be remembered by many who met him and who sat under the sound of his voice.

Early this year he became ill. Though all medical aid and skill was sought, he gradually became worse. About six weeks ago he was taken to the Oharche [sic Okarche] hospital. When it was noticed that he would have a long, hard way if he should ever get better, we decided to move to El Reno, to be in town and also to be nearer the children. A house was purchased and the family moved in, but father was able to spend only a few hours n the home. But he has a far better home now than we could ever have provided for him.

His condition worsened rapidly the last few weeks. We took care of him with all the tender love of which we were capable. He passed away Sept. 19, 5;27 in the morning. he reached the age of75 years, five months and one day.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Lydia, one daughter, Verna Mae, (Mrs. W. H. Talkington) of hydro, Okla.; five sons — Laurence of Calumet, Earl of El Reno, Dale of Calumet, Harold of Oklahoma City, and Paul of El Reno; four daughters-in-law — Mrs. Laurence Funk, Mrs. Earl Funk, Mrs. Dale Funk, and Mrs. Harold Funk; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Kate (Mrs. W. H. Lehman); one brother, Martin Funk, Calumet; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. martin Fun and Mr.s John Funk of Ft. Collins, Colo., besides many other relatives and friends.

We mourn, but not as those who have no hope. We know that father sees now what he here believed and proclaimed.

Funeral services were conducted inthe Geary high School auditorium Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 21, Rev. Henry Hege of Geary and Rev. Waldo Kaufman of Hydro officiating. Burial was made in the Geary cemetery. — The Family.