Funk, Peter F. (1888-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Feb 20 p. 8, 10

Birth date: 1888

text of obituary:

PETER F. FUNK

Peter F. Funk, son of Peter W. and Maria H. (Funk) Funk, was born at Silberfeld, four miles south of Durham, Kan. on Jan 14, 1888, and died at Halstead Hospital on Jan. 13, 1958, at 11 a.m. at the age of one day less than 70 years.

When he was five his parents moved to Brudertal. He received his elementary education one mile north of the Brudertal Church, which was the Brudertal Dist. 70, in German and English.

On June 4, 1906, he was baptized upon his confession of faith by Elder Wilhelm Ewert Jr., and received into the fellowship of the Brudertal Mennonite Church, in which he remained a faithful member. He was known for his love for singing, promptness and regularity. He served as Sunday school treasurer for nearly 20 years, without missing Sunday School for 18 years. He was president of the men's chorus, and also an active member in the mixed choir until his recent illness. He sang in the mixed choir Sunday morning, March 24, 1957. That same day during the noon meal, he had a stroke which left his left side paralyzed.

On May 4, 1911, he married Elizabeth Penner, daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Ewert Penner. This union was blessed with six children, one son and five daughters. One son died in infancy.

On May 4, 1936, the parents were privileged to commemorate the 25th wedding anniversary. The extent of their wedded life was 46 years, eight months, 13 days. All of their married life was lived on a farm three miles east of Hillsboro. Father always retained an active interest in farming.

After his stroke on March 24 he was in Salem Hospital for eight weeks. After this he was taken home where he lay in bed for another eight months. During the first few months his health improved gradually, but in the last six weeks his health began to fail. On Jan 5 he was taken to the Halstead Hospital in the hope of further aid. He remained here for eight days, until his death.

During his illness he often prayed and a frequent prayer was the song: "Christi Blut und Gerechtigkeit, das ist mein Schmuck und Ehrehkleid; damit will ich vor Gott bestehn, wenn ich zum Himmel werd eingehn."

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Elizabeth; five daughters, Esther of the home, Edna, Mrs. Walter Gaede, Alida, Mrs. Harry Schierling, Luella, Mrs. Richard J. Stucky, Marie, Mrs. Gustav E. Boldt; nine grandchildren; his aged mother, Mrs. P. W. Funk; two brothers, Jacob F. Funk and Adolf F. Funk; one sister, Mrs. Adolf E. Penner, and a large circle of relatives and friends. His father and one son preceded him in death.

Memorial services were conducted at the Brudertal church on Jan. 17, with Rev. Walter P. Neufeld officiating. Interment was made at the Ebenezer Cemetery.