Dennis Funk

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DENNIS FUNK
August 2, 1945 - March 4, 2016

Dennis Funk was born on August 2, 1945 at home, just east of New Bothwell, to George and Jessie Funk. He was the second child of three. He had two sisters, Mary and Edna. He lived at home till he married Marjorie on December 5, 1970. They made their home in New Bothwell.

Over the years, Dennis was employed at the cheese factory, heavy equipment operator for the R.M. of Hanover, crane operator for Litz and Empire, and a crane operator instructor. In 1994 he transitioned to the cheese business. Throughout all his employment, his spare time was spent on the family farm, which was his passion. Many of his hobbies included golfing, snowmobiling, quading, go-cart building and tubing.

Dennis retired in 2004. During retirement Dennis and Marj traveled. Their trips include driving to the east coast, driving to Alaska (to the top of the world highway), driving to Las Vegas to see the Hoover Dam and even flying to Toronto one Valentine’s Day to have dinner at the CN Tower. In between were many trips to Calgary to see Jeff and Diane to help them out. Dennis even got to experience a hot air balloon ride and in 1997, Dennis and Jeff had a ride in a small plane to see the flooded areas before the no fly zone was implemented.

Later Dennis and Marj bought riverfront property with a cabin along the Roseau River. They made a lot of good memories there, which include tubing on the river with friends from New Bothwell, many barbeques, and gatherings. On a couple occasions, things got very interesting. Dennis was having so much fun, he did not stop at their property, but he sailed right on by, waving to those on the shore, not realizing this was his stop. Great measures had to be taken to get Dennis back to shore. Another time he went so far down stream, it took over two hours to bring him back.

Anytime Dennis went to Roseau River, or to visit Jason and Tamie in St. Malo, he always had to stop in Grunthal to get donuts. They were his favorite. He also loved chocolate pudding and butterscotch pudding, but chocolate was his favorite. Dennis insisted on butter over margarine. He always said, “I work to put bread and butter on the table, not margarine!” Another all time favorite of Dennis’ was buns and cheese topped with corn syrup. Now, toothpicks and mints. In the early 80’s, after Dennis quit smoking, he could always be seen with a toothpick in his mouth and mints to go with. When going through Dennis old jackets, we are still finding toothpicks in his pockets!

Dennis walked a lot. He could always be seen walking in New Bothwell with Mupps. (his toy poodle)

April 1, 2013, Dennis left home. After a short stay in Ste. Anne and Vita, he moved to his final residence at #5 Blueberry Bay, Bethesda Place.

On December 5, 2015, Dennis and Marj celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary, with a small family dinner at Bethesda Place. And Dennis remembered! It was a family dinner we will never forget.

A few weeks ago, one of Dennis’ regular visitors asked him “Are you ready to go?” Dennis replied enthusiastically, “Oh yes I am!”

A while back, Marj was planning a one night trip to Saskatchewan to visit an Aunt. Two weeks prior to leaving, she had a dream and woke up remembering, “Till death do us part.” She changed her plans and stayed. On the Sunday that she was supposed to be gone, Dennis had a seizure, which he never fully recovered from.

Jeff and Jason’s greatest tribute to their dad: they attribute their mechanical skills to time spent dad, fixing and operating equipment. He always gave them the opportunity to try it themselves, even if they didn’t put dad’s tools away.

Growing up, Dad and Mom took us to all our hockey games, which was a lot! Dad even warmed our stinky feet with his hands after we froze them on the outdoor rink!

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB.

If so desired, donations in memory of Dennis may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, of Manitoba, 10 – 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Mar 08, 2016