Gene Funke, Greenfield, May 22, 2016

Gene Glen Funke was born on Oct. 22, 1950, the son of Glen and Katherine Bethine (Galloway) Funke in Greenfield, Iowa. He passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at his home in Greenfield, Iowa, at the age of 65.

Gene attended Greenfield school district later graduating in 1969. After graduating he worked as a custodian at the high school. Gene later joined the service, serving in the Vietnam War. On Jan. 14, 1971, he was united in marriage to Cinda Ritter. To this union three children were born: Patty, Jon and Jerry.

The family made their home on a farm north of Greenfield, later moving to town in 1996. Much of Gene’s life consisted of him working at Cardinal IG for many years and Schildberg’s Construction until he later retired. Gene’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and grandchildren and his dog Chico. Gene was an avid hunter, spending countless hours with his family. 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife Cinda Funke in 2008; sister Jolene Kaloides; brother-in-law Stan Kaloides; and nephew Ben Funke.

He is survived by his children, Patty Abell and husband Dan of Greenfield, Jon Funke and wife Brenda of Fontanelle and Jerry Funke and wife Eleisca of Greenfield; six grandchildren, Shawna and Kayla Abell, Nicole and Mazee Funke and Colbin and Kenna Funke; brother Dean Funke of Fontanelle; two sisters, Rolene Lundy and husband Scott of Greenfield and Charlene Scheall and husband Patrick of Altoona; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service was held May 26, 2016, at the United Methodist Church, Greenfield, Iowa with Pastor Eric Schubert officiating.

Music was recorded selections “Grandpa,” “Daddy’s Hands” and “You Should Be Here.”

Pallbearers were Joe Lamb, Jr., Dale Luhrs, Steve Armstrong, Barney Zimmerline, Mike Cockburn and Rick Paxton.

Honorary pallbearers were Shawna Abell, Kayla Abell, Nicole Funke, Mazee Funke, Colbin Funke, Kenna Funke, D.J. Luhrs and Ben Lundy.

Floral committee was Sarah Cockburn and Mara Luhrs.

Interment was at the Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield, Iowa with full military graveside rites by Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357.