Funk, Margaretha Klassen (1893-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Mar 21 p. 31

Birth date: 1893 Oct 20

text of obituary:

MRS. MARGARETHA FUNK

Margaretha (Klassen) Funk, was born in Ekaterinovka, South Russia on October 20, 1893. She spent her childhood and youth there. In 1919 she married Jacob J. Funk, who predeceased her in 1973.

Through the ministry of a Jewish missionary both came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, were later baptized and became members of the Mennonite Brethren Church. They were privileged to come to Canada with three small children in 1924, after surviving the terrors of the Russian revolution. They came first to Saskatchewan and in 1927 moved to Coaldale, Alta.

Although she was never very strong, she worked to the full capacity of her strength, especially during the pioneering years on the farm. She had a great concern that all her children should accept Christ as their Saviour and in the early years when travel to church was difficult, she would spend Sunday mornings singing, reading from the Bible and praying with her children at home. She prayed much, and today all her children seek to follow the Lord.

She was an avid reader with an active mind and many interests, and her hands were seldom seen idle. She spent just over one year at the Southland Nursing Home in Lethbridge where she was well cared for, and passed away February 19, at age 81.

Pastor Rudy Heidebrecht officiated at the funeral service, February 22, in the Coaldale Church, and Nick Reimer assisted with a German message. Her eldest grandson, Melvin Funk, presided at the committal service.

She leaves to mourn: two sons, John and Anna of Coaldale and Jacob and Helen of Grassy Lake, Alta.; six daughters, Tina and Henry Enns of Codette, Sask., Helen and Alan Webb of Creston, B.C., Margaret and John Dick of Coaldale, Annie and George Wall of Ryley, Alta., Mary and Richard Pflaum, N.J., and Louise and Jake Wiens of Ryley; one brother, Jacob A. Klassen of Rosemary, Alta.; two sisters, (Mrs.) Anna Driediger of Saskatoon and (Mrs.) Katherina Neufeld of Leamington, Ont.; and 23 grandchildren.