Obituary of Helen Funk

Helen passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 21, 2023, at The Meadows, Swift Current, SK, with her daughters by her side. Her wish to join her Lord and Saviour was finally fulfilled and her life on earth was completed.

Helen was born September 28, 1928, to Jacob and Katherina Peters of Blumenort, SK and was the youngest of four children. On July 31, 1949, she married the love of her life, Isaac B. Funk of Hamburg, SK. They started their life together farming south of Neville and later in the Hopefield area. In 1962, the family moved to Swift Current and at that time, in addition to raising her three children, she began her working career. Her work outside of the home was adventurous and she was never too proud to do menial tasks.  She had a great work ethic, and her two favorite places of employment were working at the Comprehensive High School in the commercial kitchen for 11 years, and then ended her working days as a care aide at the Swift Current Care Home, before retiring in 1991. Both careers resulted in her attempts to keep the staff at The Meadows “in line” with respect to her meal prep or personal care.

Mom was a people person, and throughout her life she met and became friends with many, who remained close until her passing. Having a prodigious memory for dates, many family and friends will now miss her phone calls commemorating their special dates.

Mom loved to cook and bake and even recently would provide instructions on how to prepare a specific meal; then she would pause as if remembering what it was like to do it herself.

Mom enjoyed knitting and crocheting; something that was learned at an early age and resulted in numerous items over the years. It was an extreme hardship when arthritis took the upper hand. She would have loved to spend the last years occupied in this way.

In November 2017, with health issues taking their toll, she was advised that her care would require ongoing monitoring and support. This resulted in her move to the Herbert Integrated Healthcare and then moving to The Meadows the following year, where she resided until her passing.

The family would like to thank ALL the staff who took such good care of Mom. She was appreciative of her care and often expressed it by saying “I know I am in the right place for the condition I am in.”

During the time she lived in the two LTC facilities, she greatly appreciated the friendship of staff and other residents. As life became more restrictive physically, her longing for heaven became more evident. Her faith was strong, and the family is thankful her wish was finally granted.

Helen is survived by her children, Judy (Larry) Hamm, Len (Judy) Funk, and Gladys Martens, along with the grandchildren Charissa Braun; Rayna (Michael) Elsdon; and great-grandchildren Rhys, Avery, and Kharis. She is also survived by her beloved sister Sarah Dyck (Sis), sisters-in-law Nellie Funk and Marie Funk, and many nieces and nephews along with their families.   

She was predeceased by her husband Isaac, son-in-law Garry Martens, grandson-in-law Myron Braun, her parents Jacob and Katherina Peters, parents-in-law Jacob and Agnes Funk, as well as most of hers and Isaac’s siblings and spouses.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK. Interment will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

LIVESTREAM LINK FOR HELEN'S SERVICE: https://boxcast.tv/view/helen-funk-celebration-of-life-service-gitrurzvdixcg4qixqlu  the video will begin playing once the service begins