Funk, Johann R. (John R.) (1882-1937)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1937 Feb 2 p. 14
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1937 Jan 27 p. 3

Birth date: 1882

text of obituary:

John R. Funk

The sudden death of John R. Funk, well known and widely respected Drake, Sask., citizen occurred on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 12:40 a.m.

The late Mr. Funk had been indisposed two or three days previously but not serious enough to prevent him from going about his regular duties. About 11 o'clock Saturday morning, Jan. 2, he went home to rest. At 3 p. m. Mr. Funk complained of a severe headache and he went to bed. His condition did not seem in the least alarming until about 7 o'clock at night, when Mr. Jackson was called. Three doctors were called but they could not arrive in time. After a few hours the patient's pulse seemed normal and he seemed resting easier. at 12:40 a. m. (Sunday) he unexpectedly passed away. His wife, children, sister and brother were at his bedside.

The deceased was one of the pioneer citizens of Drake. he was born in Canada, Marion Co., Ks., in 1882. He came to Saskatchewan in 1906 and homesteaded three miles west of Drake. He was united in marriage to Mary Gerbrandt, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. John Gerbrandt, of Drake, in 1907. Moved to Drake in 1921 as manager of the drake Co-operative Association. A few years later he took over the Marquis store, and continuing in said business up to the time of his death. Besides this he had several other agencies. The late Mr. Funk was very active in the community. He was a member of both the school board and town council for a number of years. He was also an active and devoted member of the Drake Mennonite church. he served as superintendent of the Drake Sunday School for many years. He will be greatly missed by all.

Two funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 8, one in the drake Mennonite church and one at the North Star church, four miles west of Drake. Rev. D. Toews, of Rosthern, former friends of the deceased, was the guest speaker, assisted by Rev. H. Weber, of Guernsey, and Rev. Penner, and Rev. H. H. Bartel, of Drake. All speakers paid tribute to the high principles of generosity and kind arts of the late Mr. Funk. The addresses were interspersed by a ladies' quartet, mixed guartet [sic] and several male quartets. Selections sung were: Consolation, Nearer My God to Thee, and In That Beautiful Land. Interment was made in the North Star cemetery. Many floral wreaths and sprays showed the esteem in which Mr. Funk was held.

Among those surviving are one sister and three brothers of Hillsboro, Kansas. (Mrs. John Brandt, and Menno, Theodore and Alvin Funk.)