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BORN
1941
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Dale Funderburk Obituary
Dale was born to Dale and Elizabeth (Van der Ziel) Funderburk in Hanford, California on June 28, 1941. He was the youngest of three children and was raised in Porterville. He attended Porterville High School where he was a top student and was active in swimming and water polo. After graduating from Porterville High School in 1959, he attended UC Berkeley and completed his degree and teaching credential at Fresno State. At the very young age of 22, Dale began his career as a science teacher at Porterville High School, where he also coached water polo. When Monache High School opened in 1968, he transferred to the science department there. While at Monache, he earned the reputation of being one of the most well-liked teachers – especially among the students. He loved his students and was always there when they had a question or just wanted to talk. He had the ability to connect with his students through humor, while establishing relationships with them that lasted well beyond their high school years. He taught thousands of students over his career and had an amazing ability to remember the vast majority of their names. He retired in 2003, having taught 39 years in the Porterville Unified School District. He continued to substitute at Monache High School for many years after his retirement, finding it difficult to give up on the students and the school that he loved.
Dale is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judy Funderburk; his sisters, Betty (Don) Deaton and Sally Lucchesi; sons, Chris (Channing) Funderburk and Stephen (Heather) Funderburk; and daughters, Jill (Bill) Funderburk-Davis and Stacy (Mike) St. Claire. He has 9 grandchildren. He was a long-time member of the Porterville Church of the Nazarene. His hobbies included gardening, walking, sunning and spending time with his grandkids. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 3, 2020 starting at 1:00 at the Porterville Funeral and Cremation Center. To sign Dale Christopher Funderburk's online Register book or leave a message of condolence go to www.portervillefuneral.com. For additional information, contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center at (559) 784-6485.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Funderburk
Sponsored by Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center.
Bruce Brogden
July 19, 2025
Best teacher ever. I loved his classes. He was my driver ed teacher as well. I made a right turn at a stop sign without stopping and he still passed me! LOL Rest in peace my friend.
Susan McGuire
September 3, 2020
I really enjoyed Mr. Funderburk's class. He always had a smile on his face and he was very funny. I was class of 1971 and through the years he would always recognize me and know my name. Amazing. Later in life, we were neighbors twice. He was always taking walks and he would stop and chat if I was outside. I will miss seeing him in the neighborhood. My condolences to Judy and the family.
Buzz & Julie Stephen
August 30, 2020
Dale was a wonderful person and had an impact on so many kids lives. He will be so missed. I am praying for peace and comfort for his family. You will meet again.
Dorrit Geshuri
August 29, 2020
Wow, so sad to hear of Mr. Funderburk's passing. I graduated from Monache in 1983 and I still have strong memories of him. He was a great teacher and really cared about his students.
David Janeway
August 29, 2020
So sad to hear this news. Mr Funderburk was probably the most influential teacher that I ever had. He instilled a love of science that resides in me to this day.
My condolences to his family and friends and a big thank you from just one of the many thousands of students he inspired.
David Janeway '82
Jeff Bochat
August 29, 2020
Mr. Funderburk was a great teacher and good friend. Gonna miss you buddy but I will always be around to fix your computer.
Bonnie Elliott
August 28, 2020
I was very saddened to read about Mr. Funderburk’s passing. He was always very polite to me. Altho I never had him as a teacher, I liked him a lot. He gave solid feedback during my stint on the Monoway staff. 1974. Be with the angels!
Melissa Wong
August 28, 2020
Honored to have known Mr Funderburk. Such a genuine man and amazing teacher. He will be deeply missed by myself and many former students, I’m sure. Sincere condolences to the Funderburk family and all who knew and loved him.
Brian Eichelberger
August 28, 2020
I remember Mr. Funderburk when I attended Monache. A great person and a wonderful teacher. Condolences to his family. R.I.P.
Becca (Sams) Johnson
August 28, 2020
Mr. Funderburk made me love science. He was also one of my biggest cheerleaders playing volleyball and as drum major for the marching band. I came home a few years ago to visit my family and saw him at Target. He recognized me after all these years, and even though I saw that his health was declining, he came to ME to hug me. What a huge heart he had.
My prayers are with the entire family, as well as his extended family of staff and students.
Whitehurst Loyd Funeral Home
August 26, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Memorial Events
for Dale Funderburk
Sep
3
Memorial service
1:00 p.m.
Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center765 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville, CA 93257
Funeral services provided by:
Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center765 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville, CA 93257
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