Funk, Henry (1931-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Nov 9 p. 24

Birth date: 1931 Oct 18

text of obituary:

HENRY FUNK

d, B.C. passed away Sept. 24 of cancer. He was born Oct. 18, 1931 to Johann and Elise Funk in Blumenort, Sask., the 6th of 9 children. His father was a preacher, and Bible reading and prayer were practised daily in the home. In 1940 the family moved to Elm Creek, Man. He was under deep conviction of sin, so he went to a summer camp run by Canadian Sunday School Mission. He recited 300 Bible verses, prayed with his counsellor and found forgiveness. At 14, he was baptized and joined Elm Creek MB Church. He studied at Winkler (Man.) Bible School 1952-55, then prepared for a teaching career by studying at the University of Manitoba. He taught 3 years in rural Manitoba. In 1960 he married Hedy Poetker, a teacher. They moved to Brandon, Man. to assist a church plant; he was involved in camp work, directed the choir and served as moderator. They served with MBMS International as teachers in a bilingual school in Cali, Colombia 1974-76. He was principal and Hedy a teacher at a private Christian school in Brandon for 3 years. He then entered the life insurance business. They moved to Abbotsford, where he served as stewardship representative in Alberta and B.C. for the Canadian MB Conference 1984- 94. He and Hedy then served as church planters in Lithuania. In retirement, he continued to enjoy Sunday school, care groups, giving devotional messages and music ministry. He and Hedy sang duets together. His favourite pastime was golfing, which gave him unique opportunities to witness. He is mourned by Hedy; son Darrel; daughter Christal Zerr; and 9 grandchildren. The memorial service was Oct. 1 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jacob Quiring and Chris Douglas ministering.