John S Funk

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JOHN S FUNK
May 16, 1941 – August 31, 2014

John “S” Funk was born to parents, Peter T. and Agatha Funk on their family farm in the R.M. of Tache in Manitoba on May 16, 1941. In 1948, John’s family relocated to Paraguay, like many other Mennonite families, in the hopes of starting a new and more prosperous life. According to John, life was difficult here. In 1959, John lost his mother, Agatha, to cancer.

He was baptized upon his confession of faith in June of 1962.

John shared his memories of his childhood and how he longed to return to Canada to build his own life there. In 1966, John returned to build a family and develop roots in the place of his birth. With his oldest son in tow, John began to build a legacy through his unwavering dedication to hard work and love of doing things right the first time.

John became employed at Schmidtke Millwork in 1968 where he started as an employee and quickly worked his way to a foreman and finally a plant manager. John told a story of a conversation he had with his employer once. When asked if John worked for his employees or his boss? He would answer “both”. This was evident by the number of employees who stopped to see Dad over these past months to tell our Dad he was the best or favorite boss they ever had. John also developed many long term friendships during his time of employment there.

John’s work relationships expanded beyond the workshop where he enjoyed hobbies including bowling and fishing with his co-workers and friends.

On July 31, 1976 he married Erna Bergen - his partner in life and in love for 38 years and exactly one month.

John built their first family home on Elm Street in New Bothwell where they started their life together and blended their families of four children. This was the first of many homes John would build for his family.

In 1986, John ventured out on his own and founded his company, Crown Woodwork Limited. John specialized in commercial millwork. At final count, John had finished the interior of 27 A & W Restaurants, he built a three story staircase which is still located in one of Winnipeg’s largest law firms, the cabinetry in the renovated Health Science Centre and countless kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, stair railings and everything “wood”.

John and Erna moved to Mitchell in 1998 after John built their family cottage on Black Sturgeon Lake in the hopes of spending most of their time on the lake with a home base near their children. John retired in 2009 to live out this dream.

Everyone who knew John, knew that his cottage was his piece of heaven on earth. John took pride in building his sanctuary on the water. This was a place he always welcomed his family and his friends. John spent his last day out of hospital at his place in paradise. Dad’s final request and wish was realized.

John reached the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 15 days. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2014 shortly before 6:00 p.m. with his wife and family at his side.

John leaves to mourn his wife, Erna, four children: Alan (and Kim), Shirley (and Glen), Marcia (and Carl), and Chris (and Shannon); nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, extended grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one brother in Paraguay, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by one son in infancy, two sisters and three brothers.

The legacy of his passion to build will live on in the realized dream of his cottage at the lake and the infinite pieces of wood furniture he has lovingly made. May he rest under a tall oak in Heaven.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, with burial at Heritage Cemetery. Viewing will be at the chapel prior to the service.

Arrangements by

BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL

1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Sep 02, 2014