Howard Funke

FUNKE, BRETSCHNEIDER, RUCH, RUGGLES, WAMBOLD, PARKIS, JAMESON, DUNKERSON, AND SCHMITT

Posted By: Mary Giles (email)
Date: 3/12/2005 at 16:10:17

Howard Funke, 84, passed away Aug.7,2004, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

He was born Jan.18,1920, to Benjamin John and Mary [Bretschneider] Funke at their home in rural Adair County.

Howard was raised in rural Adair County and attended country school.

On Dec.29,1942, he was united in marriage to Lois Irene Ruch at the First Methodist Church in Seattle, Wash. To this union 2 sons and 4 daughters were born, Rebecca, Sherry, Howard, Marcia, Rocky, and Cindy.

After school, Howard worked for framers and in 1941 entered the U.S Army serving in World War 2 for 4 years. After leaving the service he farmed and had his own electrical shop. He also worked for A & D Cabinet and with Evan Rayl building silos. Prior to retirement, he and his son Rocky operated Funke Plumbing and Heating.

Howard enjoyed coin and antique collecting and was always ready to do odd jobs for friends in the community. He was a member of the William Thompson Legion Post 703 for more than 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers; 7 sisters; daughters Rebecca Dunkerson and Marcia Schmitt and great-grandson Robert Tollers.

He is survived by his wife Lois Funke of Bridgewater; 4 children Sherry Ruggles and husband Jim of Beatrice, Neb.; Howard Funke and friend Kathy of Fontanelle; Rocky Funke ofMacksburg and Cindy Wambold and husband Terry of Oklahoma City, Okla.; 18 grandchildren; 4 step-grandsons; 42 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law Eva Funke of Greenfield; Nina Parkis and Delores Jameson and husband Bob of Bridgewater; 1 brother-in-law LeRoy Ruch and wife Wava of Nevinville; 2 sons-in-law Darold Dunkerson of Centralia, Mo.; and Joe Schmitt of Walnut; 1 special nephew Bobby Jameson of Bridgewater; many other nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday Aug.11 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle with Rev.David Clark officiating.

Music tributes were by organist Kathy Thompson and vocalist Diana Kordick and Bill Amdor.

Pallbearers were James Dunkerson, Jericho Schmitt, Daren Ruggles, Travis Wambold, Duane Funke, Pat Funke, Aaron Funke, Mike Ruggles, Jason Schmitt, Jared Schmitt and Shane Wambold.

Floral committee was Lois Roberts, Margery Ford and Mabel Wilbourne.

Interment was in the Garner Cemetery rural Bridgewater. Full Military Graveside Rites were conducted by the Bridgewater Wm.Thompson American Legion Post No.703.

Steen Funeral Home provided professional services.