Funk, John E. (1921-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Mar 30 p. 28

Birth date: 1921 Jul 23

text of obituary:

JOHN E. FUNK

John E. Funk passed away Feb. 8. He was born July 23, 1921 to Jacob and Margareta Funk in Ekaterinoslav, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling on a farm near Coaldale, Alta. in 1928. He married Anna Driedger Dec. 11, 1949; 5 children were born to them. Anna died in 1978. He married Martha Regier, who had 3 daughters, May 1, 1983. He loved farming and the freedom of country life. For many years, he operated a dairy farm, selling milk to the Coaldale Cheese Factory and in later years to private customers, many of whom became friends. His commitment to his cows continued to the day of his passing. His faith was increasingly important to him. He dedicated his life to the Lord in his late teens. He was active in church ministries, Sunday school and choir. He had a heart for missions, which he supported generously. He used his love of singing to share the gospel with the sick and elderly. He and Martha served with Meals on Wheels and dedicated many hours to MCC. He is remembered for his integrity, convictions, strong character, singing and love for the Lord, which he showed in a quiet, gentle manner. Predeceased by Anna, infant daughter Elsie Helen in 1955, a brother and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Martha; daughters Margaret Brown and Nettie Wien; sons John and Jake; stepdaughters Phyllis Pankratz, Grace Boschman and Dorothy Matthies; 15 grandchildren; and 4 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 12 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lome Willms ministering.