Frank S. Funk

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FRANK S. FUNK
January 22, 1930 – January 23, 2015

Peacefully, and as gently as he lived his life, Frank S. Funk, 85 years and 1 day, of Steinbach (formerly of Grunthal) passed away on Friday, January 23rd, 2015 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach.

Dad was born on January 22nd, 1930 to Peter R. and Sara (Sawatzky) Funk in Kronsgart, the fourth youngest of eight children. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Sara; his infant sister, Barbara; his brothers John and Peter; his sister Mary Friesen; his brothers-in-law Abe Buhler, Henry T. Friesen, Len Steingart, and Peter Esau and his parents-in-law, Abe and Agatha Esau.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 55 years and 5 months, Susan (nee Esau), two daughters:

Audrey (Kevin), and Val (Wes and their children Darren (Juliana), Craig (Liette), Megan (Ryan), Kurtis, and Eric); two sons: Raymond (Sloane and their sons Rayce and Tour), and Kelvin (and his children Tyrel and Tehya); and his special little companion, Sassi. Also surviving are three sisters, Helen Buhler, Sally Steingart, Ann Funk and one sister-in-law, Hilda Funk and their families. Surviving in-laws from Mom's family are Margaret Esau, Abe and Trudy Esau, Stan and Mary Toews, Walter and Irene Toews, Alvin and Valeda Esau, and Dan and Rose Klippenstein and their families.

Dad was born at the start of the great depression and learned from a very young age what it was to put heart and soul into work. He learned tremendous work ethic and loved to farm. He always had a beautiful garden that he tended to and took great pride in. I don't know anyone that had as rich a harvest as he did from the plot he nurtured. An even greater personal accomplishment for Dad was the development of his world-class, award-winning herd of Lacombe hogs.

Dad also had a great respect for nature and wildlife. Many times he would tell us of the mother foxes and babies that he had watched romp and frolic, the birds and baby birds that he would have observed from the branch he had climbed onto (and sometimes fallen from) to get a better view. He loved all kinds of animals and was especially fond of his (and our) dogs. I believe this was a love that he shared with each of us, his family, as dogs are an important part of all our families.

Dad's farming life began when he was very young. He grew up on the farm where they had chickens, laying hens, cows, pigs, horses for field work, sheep, and rabbits. He learned much about gardening at an early age and learned the art of preservation and the value of self-sustenance. These were valuable skills that he taught us as well.

Dad was very fond of music. He and his siblings would play and sing and we've been told of many great Saturday nights where there would be much music played and where his father would dance up a storm with the younger siblings, nieces and nephews. We inherited Dad's love of music and have great memories of jamming sessions where aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else that was able either played their instruments or sang. To his very last day, Dad enjoyed beautiful harmony and would listen and sing along as he could.

Dad was baptized upon confession of his faith on May 14th, 1951. He met Mom at an Evangelical meeting at the fire hall in Grunthal in the Fall of 1957. It was a full moon and to this day, full moons were a special time for Dad. Mom and Dad were married on August 16th, 1959 and started their family a couple of years later.

Of all the joys in Dad's life, his family was his greatest love. He loved unconditionally and we have all said that it is very easy to see how great our heavenly Father's love is for us by the tremendous example Dad was. There has never been an ounce of doubt that we were greatly loved by him. We will miss him immensely! We were so fortunate to have the time to spend with Dad in his illness and care and show our love for him in his time of need. We thank God for this wonderful blessing.

Funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 28th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Steinbach CMC Church, Steinbach, Manitoba with burial at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

Special thank you to the caring doctors, nurses, and health-care aids that so gently and respectfully helped to care for Dad during the last two weeks of his struggle with the cancer that took his life.

Because Dad had committed his life to Christ as a young man, he always found strength in God's Word. Dad was very focused on eternity in his last months here. His constant prayers were for those he loved. He was sad to leave us and his greatest concern was that he would meet each of his loved ones - family and friends - in heaven. We say with confidence, "We will meet you in the morning, Dad. We love you."

If friends so desire, donations in honour of Dad, Frank S. Funk, may be made to the Bethesda Foundation in support of the Chrysalis Room fund for families needing a quiet room while supporting their loved ones as they journey from this life to eternity.

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

As published in The Carillon on Jan 27, 2015