Frieda Funk

Frieda Funk, age 81, was released to see her Lord on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after a short, intense battle with cancer.

Frieda Agnes Warkentin was born on April 22, 1944 in Bassano, AB to Daniel & Liese Warkentin, the second of four children who experienced life on the farm in Gem, AB.  After finishing grade 11, Frieda went to Coaldale, AB where she completed grade 12 and one year of Bible School. Frieda pursued nurse’s training at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, MB. It was during her third year when she met Jacob Funk, the love of her life. Jake and Frieda were married on July 21, 1967. Their first home was at the original homestead in Hamburg, SK. Shortly afterward, they had a home built in Swift Current, where they lived for 34 years, before moving up the street, and then to Bridal Path Condominium.

Frieda got a job at the Swift Current Union Hospital on the children’s ward, where she worked until their first child was born. Later, she worked at the Swift Current Nursing Home as a special care aid and then transitioned into the activities department.

Being a stay-at-home Mom was important to Frieda, so when Teresa was born in 1970, she stepped away from nursing. She wanted to give full attention to being present in raising her children. A second daughter, Bernice, was born in 1972. Frieda wrote in her memoir that she was most proud of these two miracles. In time, Martin Hildebrand (Teresa) and Shawn Harder (Bernice) joined the family, and now she had the sons that were missing. Grandchildren followed, Kelsey Hildebrand, Kalen Hildebrand, and Sierra Hildebrand (fiancé Jesse Fast), all were special blessings to her.

Frieda loved everything crafty. She learned how to sew, knit, crochet, do needlepoint, and embroidery by hand and machine. If there was a new craft to explore, she was the first to obtain a pattern and set out to master it. She would then bless others with what she had made. Frieda was also an avid reader, enjoying the narrative of adventure, and true stories of faith and fortitude. Last year, she wrote a memoir called, “Down Memory Lane”. Frieda was very organized and loved to plan and execute events. She taught Sunday School and led women’s ministry in the church. Whether it was organizing food, planning activities, decorating, or making food herself, Frieda was always ready to get involved and ensure that the details were taken care of so that everyone could have a good time.  

Frieda made a decision in early childhood to accept Jesus as her personal Savior. It is this decision that shaped her life and character. Frieda lived her faith. Hospitality was her gift, and it was important to her to have food ready every Sunday, in case there were visitors to welcome, and invite home for a meal. Frieda modelled what it meant to be a godly woman; she got up before her family so she had time to read the Bible and pray. She would not just tell her children to memorize scripture, but she would do it together with them. Frieda’s love for her Saviour overflowed to the people around her. You could see it in how she greeted, listened, encouraged, and spent time praying for you. She cared deeply. She always had a smile on her face and found something to be thankful for. Let her life be a challenge to us to love deeply, reach out to others, and find joy in the everyday.

The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 2:00pm from East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bryon Bezanson officiating. The pianist for the service was Janice Bezanson. “The Love of God” and “Blessed Assurance” were sung by the congregation. Tributes “To Our Mother” were shared by Teresa Hildebrand and Bernice Harder, “To Our Grandmother” were shared by Kelsey, Kalen, and Sierra Hildebrand, and “Ministry Tribute” was shared by Pastor Kevin Snyder. Special music was brought by Bryon & Janice Bezanson singing, “To The River”. The Interment Service preceded the Funeral Service and was held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as urn bearers, Kelsey Hildebrand, Kalen Hildebrand, Sierra Hildebrand, and Jesse Fast. In memory of Frieda Funk, donations made to The Centre, 55 – 1st Avenue NE, Swift Current, SK, S9H 2A9 would be appreciated by the family.  Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com       

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