Connie Jo Funk

Connie Jo Funk, 78, of Sioux City, IA, entered eternal life on March 24, 2026 surrounded by family.

Connie was the second oldest of five children born to Leon and Rita Schleisman in Carroll, Iowa. During her Jr High years, her family moved to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota when her parents purchased a local dry cleaner business.

Connie attended Catholic schools in Sleepy Eye and eventually at Briar Cliff College where she earned her B.A. degree graduating Maxima Cum Laude. She finished her master program in 1992 at Morningside College. She attended USD to begin her doctorate classes, but entered private business instead.

On June 10, 1971 she was united in marriage to L. Greg Funk at St Mary’s church in Sleepy Eye. The couple moved to Sioux City in 1973 where both were employed. Connie taught at Clark School elementary and held various teaching positions in Catholic Schools of Sioux City. She last taught at Wayne State College for three years. She was employed in marketing and quality positions in local companies for several years. Connie retired in 2013 after administering a Safe School’s grant in the South Sioux City School system.

Connie’s civic volunteering spirit was life-long and included: Briar Cliff Alumni Board, Heelan parents board, Scout leader, 4H Leader, school volunteer, St. Michael church chair lady, parish sacristan, hospice volunteer and other acts of service.

Connie served as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan at Holy Cross Parish.

Connie’s creative side was displayed by numerous interests including cooking a vast array of delicious meals, gardening (master gardener certificate), impressive sewing projects for family and friends, and impressive home decorating.

Connie is survived by her husband Greg, her three children, Andrea (Tom) Maher of Huxley, IA, Stephanie (Trevor) Swenson, Sartell, MN, and Kristin Kleis, West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren Caitlin, Natalie of Des Moines and Alayna of Ames, IA, Noah, Carter and Sofie of Sartell, MN, and Madison and Graham of West Des Moines, IA ; her siblings all in Minnesota, Judy Mathiowetz of Sleepy Eye, Douglas (Renae) Schleisman of Delano, Nancy (Richard Beltz) of Alexandria and Leann Scalia of Brooklyn Park.

A Rosary Service will be held at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sioux City, followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.