Henry Funk

Henry Funk, age 86, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Herbert and District Integrated Healthcare Facility, Herbert, SK. Henry S. Funk was born October 5, 1932 on the family farm north of Gouldtown, SK to John H. & Helen Funk. Henry was the oldest of seven children. When Henry was sixteen, the Funk family sold everything and moved to South America in hopes of a better life. Times were tough and they returned home to Herbert after living there for one year.

Henry met the love of his life, Lydia Helena Funk in 1950, and they were married January 6, 1953 in the Herbert Mennonite Conference Church. Henry & Lydia enjoyed 61 years together before her passing in 2014. They were blessed with two children, Roger and Cindy, and their families during those years. Henry was baptized together with Lydia in the Herbert Mennonite Conference Church in 1961, and was an usher in the church for many years. Henry & Lydia had several different homes while living in Herbert, including an acreage just outside of town, until 1997, when they moved to a condo in Swift Current.

After Lydia’s passing, Henry moved to Riverview Estates and enjoyed four years with all the residents there. He lived there until Christmas of 2018. Working as a mechanic at different garages — Bender Motors, Regier Motors, Harry’s Texaco, and Co-op — in Herbert is what Henry spent most of his life doing for a living. He retired after working for twenty-two years at the Herbert Co-op. He also volunteered with the Herbert Fire Department in his younger years. He always enjoyed helping Ron on the farm, especially at harvest time.

After Henry & Lydia moved to Swift Current, he spent twelve years working for Dan & Nancy Martens at the Swift Current Funeral Home. He really enjoyed his time there. Some of his personal interests included going to threshing bees and rodeos, biking, horseback riding, and playing horseshoes. Henry also loved going out and dancing with Lydia when they were younger. He played several musical instruments, including the guitar, accordion, and ukulele. He shared his love for music with Lydia and they attended many gospel concerts and jamborees after he retired. Together, they also enjoyed travelling, camping, and playing games.

Many people will remember Henry for his exceptional workmanship, as well as his witty sense of humour and his love for playing pranks. The past eight years, Henry went through some struggles with his health while undergoing numerous knee surgeries, but faced them with strength, dignity, and determination. In the last few months his health declined rapidly, and he had to move to the Herbert & District Integrated Healthcare Facility, where he lived for only two and a half weeks before the Lord called him home.

Henry leaves to cherish his memory, his two children, Roger (Carol) Funk and Cindy (Ron) Mathies; his six grandchildren, Chelsey Funk, Shannon (Jason) Kell, Curtis Funk, Chris (Rhea) Mathies, Nikki (Clint) Hartog, and Brittany (Jaden) Schultz; his nine great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Thomas, and Janay Kell, Maddix, Kazden, and Atley Mathies, and Jaxon, Ebony, and Penelope Hartog; his siblings, Paul (Judi) Funk, Martha (Bob) Cummings, and Helen Szydlowski; Lydia’s siblings and in-laws, Leonard (Rita) Funk, Marina (Richard) Haverkamp, (Bill Guenther), Adelina (Ron) Bergstrom, Doreen (Jae) Bartsch, (Elsie Funk), Harry Funk, Carol (Gary) Giles, Lester (Jean) Funk, and Leander (Lynette) Funk; and by many nieces and nephews.

Henry has been reunited with his wife, Lydia, and members of his immediate family who are rejoicing with his arrival in Heaven, his parents, John H & Helen Funk; his brother, Abe; his sisters and their husbands, Henrietta (Lyle) Billet and Margaret (Glen) Ferguson; Lydia’s family members, his parents-in-law, John F.W. & Anne Funk; his brother and sister-in-law, Arnold Funk and Edna Guenther; and by several nieces and nephews who have gone before him, too numerous to mention, but have not been forgotten.

Even though we all grieve the loss of a dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, we take comfort in knowing that he is free of the suffering and pain and has been reunited with his wife, Lydia. His life centered around his family and he prayed for each one daily by name. What a wonderful legacy he has left for his family.

The Celebration of Life for Henry Funk was held on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 2:00 pm from Living Faith Fellowship Church, Herbert, SK with Clinton Hartog and Pastor Lincoln Vellacott officiating. “Amazing Grace” was sung by the congregation, with Donovan Epp serving as pianist. Tributes were given by Cindy Mathies and Henry’s grandchildren. A photo tribute was given by Nikki Hartog and Brittany Schultz. Special music was brought by Donovan Epp, who sang “Till the Storm Passes.” The ushers in the church were Ron Schultz, Bob Schultz, and Harry Friesen. The Private Family Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with Henry’s grandchildren serving as Pallbearers. In memory of Henry Funk, donations made to Gideons International would be appreciated by the family.

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