LEONARD FUNK

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LEONARD (LEO) FUNK January 19, 1931 - January 23, 2015 Leo passed away peacefully, at the age of 84, on Friday, January 23, 2015, at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach. Leo was born to Henry J. and Katherine (Dyck) Funk on January 19, 1931, in the community of Lowe Farm, Manitoba. Leo married the love of his life, Marie Friesen, on August 28, 1955. He took great delight in his family. He was very proud of their three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spent as much time as possible with them. His career as a heavy-duty machine operator began at a very young age. When he was seven years old he drove the farm tractor while his father sat on the binder. Leo had an exceptional work ethic. By the age of 16, he worked for Paul Brandt Construction as an oiler and part-time dragline operator, and later for Penner Construction as a road building supervisor, and machine operator wherever he was needed. He was employed by the Town of Steinbach for a number of years. Finally, he spent 36 years with Diamond Construction & Gravel, operating and repairing heavy machinery. Life wasn't "all work and no play". Leo enjoyed travelling, fishing and camping, as well as sports such as baseball, hockey, golf, and especially curling. He was one of the top curlers in the Steinbach Curling Club in his day, and won many trophies, including the Bob Scarrow Trophy for several years. In his retirement, he also "skipped" many games on the TV coverage he watched. His lifestyle changed dramatically in November 2008 when he suffered a heart attack and underwent major heart surgery. Leo's faith and church life were very important to him. In 1954 he was baptized on confession of his faith in Jesus Christ, and became an active member of the then Steinbach Bergthaler Church. He enjoyed ushering and singing in the choir. He also enjoyed singing in the Eastman Male Choir and the 55 Plus Choir. Leo will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Marie (nee Friesen); his sons: David (Becky) of Swift Current, SK, Jeremy (Judy) of Winnipeg, MB, and Lindsay (Liane) of Sidney, BC; his grandchildren: Honey (Joe Martens), Jason (Meghan), Alixandra, Madeleine (Nicholas Kobilke), Clarey (Steven Hodge), Aron, Andrew, and Vanna, and great-grandchildren: Chase, Lincoln, Charmayne, Ava, Nora, Micah, and Emily. He is also survived by brothers: Ron (Barb) and Ken (Ginette); sisters: Anne Schalla, Laura, Evelyn (John Bergen), and Esther (Milt Ollenberger); sister-in-law, Mary. Also surviving are step-siblings, Annette (Gerry Barbour), Kathy's husband Bill Haynes, John's wife Thelma, and Abe's wife Blanche. Leo was predeceased by his parents Henry J. and Katherine (Dyck) Funk; brothers, Frank and Edward; sister-in-law Justina; brother-in-law Bill Schalla; stepfather Jacob J. P. Funk, and step-siblings: Mary, Dorothy, Betty, Kathy, Erdman, Abe, Ben, and John. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Leo Funk will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015, 2:00 p.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church, 417 Hanover St., in Steinbach. Interment will follow at the Heritage Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Curtis Krahn and the staff at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre and Health Sciences Centre 6GH for the care extended to Leo during his hospital stays. If so desired, donations in remembrance of Leo can be made to support his granddaughter, Alixandra Funk, doing church planting in France, Avant Ministries Canada, 2121 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R2G 1P8 (www.AvantMinistries.org). Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2015