LEONA FUNK

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LEONA FUNK

Leona Funk was born on December 6, 1937 at Waldheim, SK, the third of Abram and Maria Funk's four children.

In 1946 the family moved from Northvale, SK to their farm at Edrans, MB. Here Leona attended school until Grade nine which was a three and a half mile ride by horse and buggy. She enjoyed farm life, especially driving the tractor.

Our parents’ legacy of faith influenced Leona throughout her life. In 1956 Leona was baptized on the confession of her faith in Jesus Christ at MacGregor Bergthaler Church. She attended Elim Bible School for three winters and worked on the family farm in summer.

Her first jobs were at a sewing factory and the Municipal Hospitals in Winnipeg and for three years was a caregiver of a polio invalid, cooking meals and doing household work for the family. She completed high school at night school and the Mennonite Collegiate Institute. Leona graduated as an LPN in 1966. Her first job as a nurse was at Portage la Prairie Hospital for four years. She began her 25-year career at the Brandon Hospital in 1970.

Leona had a lifelong interest in music. She enjoyed participating in choirs at school and church and going to symphonies and musical concerts. She also loved to travel. This included an Orient Tour, a European Tour, and many other places of interest, like Guadeloupe, Mexico, Churchill, and Newfoundland. She enjoyed nature trails with friends at Lakeside Resorts at Clear Lake and Waskesui. They were a part of many holidays as well as road trips with Verna to visit relatives in SK and BC. Visits with nieces and nephews and family gatherings were always a high point in her life.

Leona’s health had been declining over the last while. She passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and Saviour on May 15, 2026 in the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Leona is survived by her sister Verna Funk, and nieces and nephews: Leonard (Beverly) Funk, Louise (John) Schmidt, Marlene (John) Klassen, Eleanor Wall, Esther (Wayne) Warkentin, Darrell (Julie) Funk, Phyllis (Larry) Giesbrecht, Ryan Funk, Sylvia (George) Roy, Dan (Amanda) Funk and many great-nieces and nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her parents, Abram and Maria Funk, brothers, Elden and Cornie, sisters-in-law, Edna and Agatha.

The family would like to thank all those who had a part in Leona’s caregiving – Home Care workers and staff of Brandon Hospital, especially Dr. Vlok over many years. Also thank you to the Pastors of McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church and especially to Ann Watt for her many visits in hospital and home.

Funeral service was held at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church on May 26, 2026. Arrangements by Clarke’s Funeral Home Gladstone - MacGregor.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 05, 2026