Bill Funk

The service was livestreamed and recorded, click here to view. 

Bill Funk, age 76, passed away peacefully and entered the presence of his Savior in the early hours of Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK after a lengthy illness, which he courageously endured.

Willhelm “Bill” Funk was born May 21, 1947 to Abe & Maria Funk at the Union Hospital in Swift Current. He attended Hopefield School, a small country school, and then the Wymark High School. After graduation, he attended the Steinbach Bible Institute in Steinbach, MB for one year before going to the U of S, where he graduated with an agriculture diploma in 1973.

Bill met Cornellia Schlamp and they were married at the EMC Church in Swift Current on December 1, 1978. They operated a grain farm in the McMahon area for many years until it was time to retire, and they moved into town. Bill was very proud of the salon Cornellia owned – Charm Beauty Salon – and the staff that worked for them. He believed that if they couldn’t figure something out, “it just couldn’t be done.”

Bill loved his dog, Max, and was a YouTube fanatic — he would spend hours listening to music with birds in the background or watching videos about the latest developments in agriculture. Many hours were spent on the computer listening to music, he loved Sounds Like Reign, the Asidors, the Besy Choir, Celtic Thunder, and the Redeemed Quartet.

Bill’s faith in God was incredibly important to him and he was very devoted to East Side Church of God, developing relationships with the Pastors and staff was a high priority. Every Sunday after church, Bill & Cornellia went to Springs for lunch with their very special group of friends — Pete & Marj, Jerry & Flo, Jake & Sheila, Lee & Kelly, Del & Onalee, and Jake & Darlene. Whoever was available that day was who went and many precious hours of fellowship were shared with friends and the wonderful staff who served them so well.

He also enjoyed visiting with his friends and family, especially his nieces and nephews. Bill & Cornellia took many trips with friends, including a holiday in Cuba. The last few years were tough for Bill as his health declined and he was in and out of the hospital, he and Cornellia both appreciated all the friends who visited them during that difficult time. Special thanks to Bill’s brother and sister-in-law, Jacob & Frieda, and their close friends, Jake & Sheila Martens, who visited Bill in the hospital every day. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Clover House and the Cypress Regional Hospital for the wonderful care they provided to Bill.

Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cornellia Funk; his brother, Jacob (Frieda) Funk; his nieces, Teresa (Martin) Hildebrand (their children, Kelsey, Kalen, and Sierra), and Bernice (Shawn) Harder; and by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, other extended family members, and friends.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Abe & Maria Funk; his parents-in-law, Jacob & Helena Schlamp; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gus Schlamp, Dave Schlamp, Jack Schlamp, and Minnie & Abe Berg; and by his nephew, Ken Wiens.

The Celebration of Life for Bill Funk was held on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm from East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Kevin Snyder officiating. Special music was brought by Cadence Tschetter and Dave Smith, who sang “The Goodness of God” and “Lord, I Need You.” Tributes were given by the Schlamp family and the Funk Family. The Scripture reading was II Corinthians 4:16 – 15:10 and John 14:1-3. The ushers in the church were Randy & Tracey Schlamp and Terry & Jackie Schlamp.

The service bulletin is available to view below.

The Interment Service was held prior to the Celebration of Life from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Bill’s nieces, Teresa Hildebrand and Bernice Harder, serving as Urnbearers.

East Side maintains a list of Governance Board approved projects that will be done as they are financed. Bill loved his church and felt coming was one of the best decisions he made in his life. If you wish to honor Bill with a memorial gift, you can do that by cheque to ‘East Side Church of God,’ by E-transfer to accounting@eastsidechurch.ca, or through the website (www.eastsidechurch.ca) In the memo lines please specify “Bill Funk memorial.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill Funk, please visit our floral store.