Funk, Miles M. (1897-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jan 7 p. 7

Birth date: 1897

text of obituary:

Farmer Drowns in Icy Waters of Farm Pond

BREAKS THROUGH ICE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CATCH GEESE

Chambersburg, Pa. — A largely attended funeral took place at the Chambersburg Mennonite (Old) church on Dec. 26 as relatives and friends paid last respects to Miles M. Funk, 63, who drowned in the icy waters of a farm pond near his home Dec. 23.

Mr. Funk had gone to the pond to catch several domesticated geese for the holiday meal when he broke through the ice and fell into eight feet of water. About an hour later the body was found floating on the pond by a son, Samuel. He and another son, Harry, removed him from the pond.

Mr. Funk apparently had placed a large plank on the ice in order to reach the unfrozen center of the pond, but it failed to support his weight.

Mr. Funk resided with his wife, Estalla [sic Estella], in a double house near here. His son Samuel and family occupied the other part of the house. The father was born in the house and spent his entire life there. A member of the nearby Strasburg Mennonite church, he had retired from farming several years ago.

The impressive funeral services were conducted by Bishop Amos Martin and Min. Harry Witmer.

Surviving in addition to the widow and sons are two other sons, two daughters, 22 grandchildren, and a brother, Rev. Amos Funk of Marion, Pa.