Ronald Funk

Ronald Funk, 85, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, surrounded by family.
Ronald "Ron" Lee Funk was born January 4, 1939, in Grundy County, Missouri to Richard and Eunice (Mantlo) Funk. He grew up in Laredo, Missouri where he graduated from high school in 1957. He worked a few various jobs before he started a career with "NCR", National Cash Register as a Field Engineer until his retirement.
On August 12, 1961, Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Martha Jane Jaques and were blessed with three children, Larry, Brenda and Craig. The couple made their home outside of Kirksville, Missouri until they moved to Ankeny Iowa in 2021 to be closer to the kids. Ron was a devoted husband and father; often sacrificing many things for himself to provide for his family.
Ron was a self-taught handyman; he could fix or build anything and loved helping others. In his early years he enjoyed hunting, but as he grew older, he enjoyed caring for animals more. He faithfully fed wildlife in the back yard, including the squirrels he named Bonnie and Clyde. Ron enjoyed many hobbies over the years including photography and medal detecting, watching westerns and any movie with horses. Known as "Gunrunner," Ron was also a passionate gunsmith who loved working on firearms and never turned down a good deal. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs, and Caitlyn Clark fan, and didn't miss an opportunity to watch them play. Above all, Ron was a family man that treasured time spent and memories made with Martha, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that meant the world to him. They recall him giving the best hugs and telling them he loved them at every opportunity.
Ron will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Martha; children, Larry Funk, Brenda (Jeffrey) Riese, and Craig (Jane) Funk; grandchildren, Amanda Meyer, Christopher Riese, Abby (Josh) McCoy, Ryan Funk, and Daniel Funk; great-grandchildren, Mia Meyer, Cora Meyer, Emma Meyer, Charolette McCoy, and Maverick McCoy; aunt, Lena Cooksey; niece, Denise Wayman; nephew, Rob Bowman; many cousins; and his companion dog, Molly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Eunice Funk; sister and brother-in-law, Carren and Dean Bowman; and his dear friend he loved as a brother, James (Doc) Gardner who passed away in December 2023.
A few years ago, Ron authored the following poem that he kept in his wallet every day to be shared upon his passing.
Judgement Day by Ronald Funk
"Oh Lord, can you help me I have a heavy burden on my heart. Old age is about to take me. And from my family I want not to part. Can you make me a place in Heaven. A place where I'll be. A place so warm and beautiful. A place saved for me. A place where my family can come too. From Earth must they part. A place where I'll be waiting with open arms and a loved filled heart. O Lord if you can do this for me. I am sure this burden would go away. And I will be waiting for your Call when there Comes that Judgement Day. Amen"
A Celebration of Life is being planned on his birthday, January 4th in Kirksville MO.
Condolences and memories of Ronald may be shared with his family in the tributes section of his memorial page. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Taylor House Hospice, 3401 E Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317.