John (Hans) Funk

In Loving Memory

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved father John (Hans) Funk, who left us peacefully on Thanksgiving Day October 13, 2025, at the age of 96.

Life and Legacy

John was born July 1929 in the Ukraine to his parents Hans and Katharina Funk.

There were many times in his early life where the family had to flee Russian troops. In 1948, he and his mother, sister and brother were able to leave Germany, eventually arriving in Winnipeg.

Dad spent his life devoted to his family, his work, and his many passions. His values of honesty and hard work were evident in everything he did. He was an inspiration to those around him, always ready to lend a helping hand and share his wisdom.

He was baptized in 1951, met Annie in ’52 and was married in ’54. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending weekends at the lake. Dad was a natural problem-solver and very resilient. He had many interests; carving wildlife, creating stained glass, playing classical guitar, working in the yard and on the house among them. He had a thirst for knowledge and a real passion for history. He was self-taught, inventive and had great talents in many areas. In fact, he taught himself advanced algebra using only a slide rule and an old textbook. His career was as a welder, machinist and metalworker but was not hemmed in by any one thing. He was also an expert watchmaker for many years and was sought out by Sears as their lone watch repair technician for a time. He took pleasure in the simple things - a walk along the lake or a ski in the winter and quiet evenings at home with loved ones. He was proud of his heritage and always eager to share stories from his youth.

Family and Community

He leaves behind his devoted spouse of seventy-one years, Annie, his loving children; Caren, Wilfred (Gigi) and Dan (Heather) and grandchild, Tabatha. Dad will also be fondly remembered by his sister Katy and was predeceased by his mother Katherine (’94) brother Ernest (’12) and son Edward (’22). His father was taken from the family in 1938 to work in Siberia and sadly, never heard from again.

Dad’s knowledge and wisdom touched the lives of all who knew him.

Final Farewell

As was his wish, a service will not be held. The family will have a private ceremony to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, reflecting Dad’s love of animals and nature.

His memory will forever remain in our hearts. 

We will carry his love and lessons with us always, 

honouring him in the way we live our lives. 

Thank you, Dad, for everything.

When I am dead, my dearest,

Sing no sad songs for me;

Plant thou no roses at my head,

Nor shady cypress tree:

Be the green grass above me

With showers and dewdrops wet;

And if thou wilt, remember,

And if thou wilt, forget.

I shall not see the shadows,

I shall not feel the rain;

I shall not hear the nightingale

Sing on, as if in pain:

And dreaming through the twilight

That doth not rise nor set,

Haply I may remember,

And haply may forget.

Christina Rossetti

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com