Funk, Chester Thomas (1912-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Sep 14 p. 25

Birth date: 1912 May 23

text of obituary:

CHESTER THOMAS FUNK

Chester Thomas Funk of Swift Current, Sask. passed away July 2. He was born May 23, 1912 to Cornelius and Helena Funk at Beaver Flat, Sask. The family ranched and farmed. After grade 8, he worked as a farmhand for his father. He played the pump organ and guitar at house parties where his father, uncles, aunts, sisters and brothers would sing and play gospel songs. He later played in various churches with his wife and children, recording an album, The Funk Family Plays Gospel. He accepted Christ at 18. He was baptized in Herbert Mennonite Church and then by immersion at Herbert Free Church July 9, 1950. He memorized many Bible verses and did personal evangelism work with Joe Hovdestad. He attended Prairie Bible Institute in 1946. He took welding and mechanic courses at the University of Saskatchewan. He married Golda Klassen of Beaver Flat Aug. 3, 1947. They farmed, then moved to Swift Current in 1975, where he worked for McWilliam Construction, Esler Industries, Wall Brothers Construction and Trojan. He enjoyed playing guitar, piano, violin and mandolin and sang in duets. He built a hay rake, a tractor cab, a road maintainer, and a swing and a teeter-totter for his children. He made antique collectibles. He read history books and kept a diary from 1938 to July 1, 2001. He enjoyed hockey, baseball, riding horses, skiing and visiting his children. He had a great love for God and the church. He read his Bible and prayed for his family daily. He was a member of Turnhill MB Church 1947-67, where he was worship leader and a musician, then of Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current. He is remembered for his beaming blue eyes, beautiful smile, great sense of humour and hard work for his family. Predeceased by 6 sisters and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Goldie; children Faith Peters, Gilmour, Phyllis Schmidt, Janice Fast and Cynthia Funk-Willms; 9 grandchildren; and a stepsister. The funeral was July 7 in Bridgeway Community Church, with Cliff Janzen ministering.