FUNK: Maria

May 21, 1914 – July 24, 2016

Maria Funk (Janzen) died Sunday, July 24, 2016 at the Central Parkland Lodge at the age of 102.

Maria was born May 21, 1914 in the Eigenheim District near Rosthern to Peter and Maria (Martens) Janzen. She received her education there as well. In June, 1932 Maria received instruction in the faith of Jesus Christ and was baptized by Rev. G.G. Epp.

She married Peter P. Funk November 23, 1940 and they welcomed six daughters into their family. In the late 1940’s the family moved from Rosthern to a farm east of Drake where Maria worked hard as a farmer’s wife. Later, retired from farming, they moved to Drake where Maria took a job as a dietary aid at the Lanigan Union Hospital where she embraced the challenge of working outside the home – an unusual role for a woman of her age in that era. She developed lasting friendships.

Maria was an active and dedicated member of North Star Mennonite Church teaching Sunday School, being a deacon, and participating in the Goodwill Society. Her faith was central in her life. She will be remembered for her generosity and hospitality to her family and the community.

When her health started to deteriorate, Maria moved to Pine View at Rosthern. It was a bit of a homecoming for Maria as she had spent her childhood in the area. A highlight of her time there was witnessing the relocation of the old Eigenheim church to the Youth Farm. Later she moved to Lanigan as she required more care. Maria received excellent care at all her residences and always expressed deep appreciation for the staff.

Maria is survived by her children: Beatrice (Henry) Bergen, Becky (Roy) Niessen, Hazel (Dean Poets) Bergen, Sandra (Gord) Wiebe, Kimberly Bergen. Kay (Walter) Klassen, Tim Klassen, Katharine (Paul) Funk, Philip (Villetta) Klassen, Janet (Ermin) Badzak. Norma (Wes) Epp, Steven Epp, Cindy (Brad) Summach, Doug (Treena) Lammers, David (Carla) Lammers, Debbie (Ryan) Tilk, Dennis (Lisa) Lammers. Lucille (Russ) Friesen, Erica (Robin) Doucette, Craig (Matt Wiens) Friesen, Teresa Friesen. She is also survived by 27 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson.

Maria leaves to mourn 3 siblings: Katharine Neufeld, Helen Klassen, and Bill (Helen) Janzen and one brother in law, Herman Klassen. She was predeceased by her parents, daughter Irene Funk (1975), husband Peter Funk (1993), son in law Ron Lammers (2002) and daughter Betty Lammers (2005). Also brothers Peter (Mary) Janzen and Jacob (Frieda) Janzen and sisters Sara (Wilmer) Epp, Margaret (Otto) Epp, Susie (Ed) Stobbe, Pauline Klassen and brothers in law Jake Neufeld and Edgar Klassen.