Obituary of Abram Funk

June 15, 1916 – Sept. 16, 2012 Abe Funk left from this life on Sunday, Sept. 16 at the Rosthern Hospital. In his last days he was surrounded by the love of his large family and legion of friends. From 2005 to the time of his passing he made his home in Pineview Manor at the Rosthern Mennonite Youth Farm. Abe was born to John and Paula (Friesen) Funk in the Hamburg District, NW of Laird. He enjoyed growing up on the farm, his time at the Hamburg School, and his wholehearted participation in family and community life. He was baptized in the Rosenort Mennonite Church at Tiefengrund in 1935. During WWII Abe served as a Conscientious Objector working in the Banff/Kananaskis area, a time he called his university for life. In 1946 Abe married Helene Dyck, daughter of J.J. and Renata Dyck. They took over the Dyck family farm near Laird and embraced each other’s clans. There they raised their family, nurturing and cherishing each new member. They farmed until Abe’s 85th year. In 2002 Abe and Helene moved to Rosthern where they lived together until Helene died in Aug. 2003. Abe was an active and faithful supporter of his community, co-ops and his church. He served on the Boards of many organizations, including 28 years as Chair of the Laird Wheat Pool Committee, a founding Board member of the Sask Valley Credit Union, and Board Chair of the Rosthern Mennonite Home for the Aged. He travelled to Europe for a Mennonite World Conference, to East Africa with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and to Germany, Poland, and Russia for a roots tour. In 2006 Abe felt honoured to sign the MOU between the Young Chippewayan First Nation, and the Lutheran and Mennonite families who settled on the former Stony Knoll I.R. #107 N.W. of Laird. Abe was a friend to all he met. He was a humble person who enjoyed life fully and gladly served his family, his faith, and the hungry and poor of the world. Left to carry on his legacy are his children Raymond (Shirley Falstead), Carla (Mike) Sheridan, Lorna (Don) Hauta, Wayne (Jeanette Schlosser); his grandchildren Rebecca Funk (Adrian Johnson), Abe (Nicole) Funk, Yvonne Funk (Trevor Barney), Jessica Sheridan, Anna (Andrew) Robertshaw, Tarya (Jamie) Hough, Quentin (Erin Brady) Hauta, Odessa Schlosser, Sophie Schlosser, Donna (Craig) Johnson, Cindi (Rob) Davies, Aaron Schutte, Renee (Ryan) Haberstock; his great grandchildren Denis, Aldous, Caius, Abby, Riley, Devon, Thomas, Colby, Emily, Jack, Kelsey, Joel, Emily, Mara, Haley, Megan, Cameron, and Lexis; his sister Selma Enns; and his sister-in-law Irene Funk. He was predeceased by his loving wife and partner, Helene; his brothers Verner, Eric and Walter; his sister Edna Neufeldt; his in-laws Eric Neufeldt, Olga Funk, Kay Funk, and John Enns. A time of viewing and sharing of Abe’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. at Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home Auditorium. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Tiefengrund Rosenort Mennonite Church, north of Laird with Pastor Russ Friesen officiating. Interment will take place in Tiefengrund Cemetery. Abe requested that Gifts of Remembrance go to the Mennonite Central Committee, 600-45th Street West, Saskatoon, S7L 5W9. Arrangements are in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, 306-232-5245, Please leave condolences, stories of Abe, or told by Abe, by visiting funksfuneralhome.ca.