Franz Funk, who was known by all as “Frank”, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side at the Boyne Lodge Personal Care Home on January 6, 2023, at the age of 92 years.
Frank was born to Johann and Elise Funk on July 4th, 1930, in Blumenort, Saskatchewan, the fifth of nine children. The Funk family was raised to work hard on the farm and serve God wholeheartedly. His family moved to Elm Creek when Frank was 10 years old; Frank attended school until the completion of Grade 8 at which time he left to help out on the farm. Frank attended Winkler Bible Institute where he quickly became known for his amazing baritone voice.
Following 3 years of working in Vancouver, Frank returned to Winnipeg and met his lifelong love, Martha (nee Neufeld). They were married in 1960 and started their family shortly after. In 1968, Frank made a career change and moved his family to Elm Creek. Although he loved farming, singing was his passion and he would make many trips to Winnipeg to practice and record with the Gospel Light Hour Quartet (later MB Communications, and now Square One World Media). Their voices were heard across radio waves throughout Canada and other parts of the world. Frank enjoyed touring with the group; their last trip was performing in Germany.
In 1980, Frank and Martha moved off the farm to their newly built home in Elm Creek. Retirement was gradual as Frank continued to work for his son-in-law, Al Kroeker, and greatly enjoyed helping during the harvest season. Their next retirement step was to Carman in 1995 where Frank quickly made new coffee friends and continued to sing at events as well as with The Town & Country Quartet. Frank also kept busy accompanying his farming friends to cattle auctions, driving seniors to appointments, delivering groceries, serving with the Gideons (ShareWord) and serving in Friends Community Church. Frank’s final years were spent at Meadowood Manor, and then at Boyne Lodge.
Frank was predeceased this past September by his wife of 62 years, Martha. He is survived by his 3 daughters: Patricia Kroeker (Alan), Pauline Loewen (Lyle), Fran Goossen (Jon), 9 grandchildren: Brett Kroeker (Mariannick), Deanna Bailey (Joe), Allison Dyck (Joel), Brenlee DeFelice (Joash), Kara Hague (Tim), Jordan Loewen (Karis), Holly Goossen (Caleb Olfert), Joshua Goossen (Liliya), and Rachel Goossen (Trevor Nickel). Frank had the privilege of meeting all 9 of his great grandchildren: Ella and Remington, Ruben, Griffin and Roscoe, Nina, Hubert, Willa and Wren.
Frank leaves behind his siblings and in-laws: Tina, (Hedy), Margaret, Mary (Hermann), and Neil (Laura). He also leaves behind his Neufeld in-laws: Marion Heppner, Menno Braun, Jack and Lorraine Neufeld, Erwin and Emma Penner, Hank and Betty Neufeld.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossway Elm Creek Church on Saturday, January 14, 2023, 3:00pm.
The family is grateful for the care shown to Frank over the past 3 years at Boyne Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: ShareWord Global or SquareOne World Media.
Frank was born to Johann and Elise Funk on July 4th, 1930, in Blumenort, Saskatchewan, the fifth of nine children. The Funk family was raised to work hard on the farm and serve God wholeheartedly. His family moved to Elm Creek when Frank was 10 years old; Frank attended school until the completion of Grade 8 at which time he left to help out on the farm. Frank attended Winkler Bible Institute where he quickly became known for his amazing baritone voice.
Following 3 years of working in Vancouver, Frank returned to Winnipeg and met his lifelong love, Martha (nee Neufeld). They were married in 1960 and started their family shortly after. In 1968, Frank made a career change and moved his family to Elm Creek. Although he loved farming, singing was his passion and he would make many trips to Winnipeg to practice and record with the Gospel Light Hour Quartet (later MB Communications, and now Square One World Media). Their voices were heard across radio waves throughout Canada and other parts of the world. Frank enjoyed touring with the group; their last trip was performing in Germany.
In 1980, Frank and Martha moved off the farm to their newly built home in Elm Creek. Retirement was gradual as Frank continued to work for his son-in-law, Al Kroeker, and greatly enjoyed helping during the harvest season. Their next retirement step was to Carman in 1995 where Frank quickly made new coffee friends and continued to sing at events as well as with The Town & Country Quartet. Frank also kept busy accompanying his farming friends to cattle auctions, driving seniors to appointments, delivering groceries, serving with the Gideons (ShareWord) and serving in Friends Community Church. Frank’s final years were spent at Meadowood Manor, and then at Boyne Lodge.
Frank was predeceased this past September by his wife of 62 years, Martha. He is survived by his 3 daughters: Patricia Kroeker (Alan), Pauline Loewen (Lyle), Fran Goossen (Jon), 9 grandchildren: Brett Kroeker (Mariannick), Deanna Bailey (Joe), Allison Dyck (Joel), Brenlee DeFelice (Joash), Kara Hague (Tim), Jordan Loewen (Karis), Holly Goossen (Caleb Olfert), Joshua Goossen (Liliya), and Rachel Goossen (Trevor Nickel). Frank had the privilege of meeting all 9 of his great grandchildren: Ella and Remington, Ruben, Griffin and Roscoe, Nina, Hubert, Willa and Wren.
Frank leaves behind his siblings and in-laws: Tina, (Hedy), Margaret, Mary (Hermann), and Neil (Laura). He also leaves behind his Neufeld in-laws: Marion Heppner, Menno Braun, Jack and Lorraine Neufeld, Erwin and Emma Penner, Hank and Betty Neufeld.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossway Elm Creek Church on Saturday, January 14, 2023, 3:00pm.
The family is grateful for the care shown to Frank over the past 3 years at Boyne Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: ShareWord Global or SquareOne World Media.