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Kenneth Funk Obituary
He was one of Nine children and always had a love for softball and basketball. He was all-state in high school and played in two National AAU basketball tournaments. Ken played basketball for Montana State before joining the United States Marine Corp and serving in the Korean War.
When he returned to Harlow, Montana after the war, he went looking for the "prettiest girl in town" and found Patricia Talbot. He proposed 10 days after they met and on November 23, 2008 they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Ken was a retail store manager before entering the insurance business with Mutual of Omaha. In 1969, Ken moved his wife and four children to Redding when he became General Manager of Mutual of Omaha for all of Northern California. During his 35 year career he became one of the top agencies in the United States and received 21 President's circle awards along with many, many other various honors for outstanding service and achievements.
Ken's love for sports continued all during his adult life when he played and or coached on numerous local softball and basketball teams. In 1991, he was inducted into the Montana Softball Hall of Fame.
After retiring, Ken continued to work part-time for Mutual of Omaha as well as being the coordinator for the monthly luncheons and the annual birthday dinner for the Shasta Marines. He was an ongoing member of the Korean War Vets, VFW, American Legion and Lifetime member of the ELKS Lodge. Ken always had such a positive attitude and effervescent personality that he never met a stranger. He would just light up the room and warm the hearts of all that met him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Ken is survived by his wife Patricia and his six children. Brett and wife Michelle of Redding, Brenda and her husband Perry of Millville, Dana and wife Susie of Chico, Jeff and his wife Sharon of Redding, Janet and her husband Paul of Utah, and Ken and wife Janis of LaVerne. He is also survived by his brothers Harold of Great Falls, Montana, Will of Portland, Oregon, Don of Redding, Verne of Bozeman, Montana and sister Lorene of Cummings, Arizona along with 16 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Services for Ken will include visitation on Tuesday, January 13 from 11-5 at Allen and Dahl in Palo Cedro. There will be a private graveside service at the Millville cemetery at 10 a.m. on Wednesday followed by a Memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Allen and Dahl Funeral Chapel in Palo Cedro where everyone is welcomed to come celebrate his life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Funk
Eric Funk
January 5, 2023
I still run into older guys who played softball who ask, "Are you related to Kenny Funk?" I reply, "were you on HIS team", knowing that if not they´d have some words to say. As a catcher he taunted every batter with taunting chatter, making more than a few hot tempered. And there´s Uncle Kenny with his infectious smile and joyous demeanor, especially noticeable at family reunions. What a joy harvester he was.
Hector Diaz
January 27, 2009
Dear Pat, Dana and Funk family. How sweet it is to remenber Kenny, a gentle man that I could always talk to and made me feel like a good old friend from day one.
I pray the Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ over all of you.
Oh how good is to think of good men, Kenny being one!
Al Onofrei
January 27, 2009
Even in his passing, Ken, Trish and the entire wonderful Funk family....somehow, was able to once again bring out the very best of former MOO associates and friends at Kenny's funeral. My son Tim, for whom a room was named after in Ken & Trish's home, pointed out his picture on the mantle at the memorial service.....he said, "Just like Ken...look at his smirk...you know that he is saying....Got here first!" We had seen one another at least once a year for the past many years when going to Redding.....heading there again with the NNU baseball team in early February......what an incomprehensable space there will be in all of our hearts..
Dennis Eischeid
January 27, 2009
Dearest Pat.
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Will always remember the good times we shared with our Mutual of Omaha friends. May God continue to keep you strong, and your family close.
Dennis and Lois Eischeid
Jeff Funk
January 17, 2009
Dad,
I want to thank you for being such a kind and caring Father. I am glad that I had such a wonderful role model growing up. You will be in my thoughts each and every day. Don't worrie I will watch after Mom for you and make sure things are taken care of. I love and miss you so very much ! See you again some day.
Brenda Hart
January 15, 2009
I Love you Daddy and I'm gonna miss you.I know you and Jeff are together watching over us so we will never be alone.I will cherish our memories till the day I see you once again.Love Always Your Daughter Brenda
Janet Worthen
January 15, 2009
I did not know my Dad very well. I know I loved him and he loved me, and the times we spent together were special to me. Thanks Dad for giving me my Brother Ken, I love him very much. Also, thank you for my half brothers and sister. Thank you for loving me,
Your daughter Janet
Eric Funk
January 14, 2009
Uncle Kenny evokes my memory of his smile and his laughter and how he always lifted the room by his very presence. Uncle Kenny harvested joy and his demeanor was just infectious - no matter how you felt before he entered, you always felt better after he did. I'm so thankful he and Dana dropped by for a long visit last time they were in Bozeman. What a beautiful, dear man he was.
BONNIE NELSON
January 13, 2009
Dana & entire Funk Family,
I am heartsick to hear of Ken's passing. I have known him a little over 15 years through Shasta Physical Therapy and The Rose Center. We all loved him and his upbeat attitude, even when he might be feeling poorly. He became a good friend to all of us. Please know our loving thoughts embrace you . May wonderful memories keep him near.
With deepest sympathy and much love,
Bonnie Morton Nelson
Toni and Anthony Miller
January 13, 2009
Very, very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I first knew him at Juniper School and the Young Marines, and years later he became our company health insurance agent. Ken, Thank you for all you have done, and for living a full and good life. You are a role model to all, someone we all looked up to. Thank You again--you will be missed. Toni and Anthony Miller, Miller Trucking Corporation, Redding, CA
Gabe Guerrero
January 12, 2009
I've heard there is a 'call' for a "Few Good Men"--I personally know, as do all of us, that we were blessed to have known him and that..A proud, strong, noble "Marine" is now guarding the "Gate"-with great love and respect, Ken, you were the finest man I ever knew. My deepest condolences to you,Pat and family.
Rosy Klepper
January 12, 2009
Dana and Susie
You were very lucky to have had such a wonderful father and father-in-law. My your memories keep him forever in your hearts.
Our deepest sympathy to your entire family
Rosy and Dan Klepper
Amy Bebout
January 12, 2009
Dearest Uncle Ken, you and Pat have always had a special place in my heart. I will never forget the ring you gave me as a little girl....I will miss you terribly. Love you always, Your Great Niece,
Amy
Dennis & Darci Bruggman
January 12, 2009
Ken was a wonderful man. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
GINA BUCHANAN
January 12, 2009
TO THE FRIENDS AND ESPECIALLY THE FAMILY OF KEN, I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH HE WILL BE MISSED AND HOW HE MADE ALL OUR LIVES A LITTLE BIT BETTER JUST BY KNOWING HIM. KEN WAS THE MOST LOVING, CARING AND SINCERE PERSON I HAVE EVER KNOWN IN MY LIFE. HE MADE IT SO VERY EASY TO CARE FOR HIM AND ALWAYS WAS THE MOST POSATIVE AND AMAZING PERSON TO BE AROUND. HE COULD LITE UP YOUR ENTIRE DAY JUST BY COMING BY TO SAY HELLO. I KNOW I WILL GREATLY MISS HIS SWEET SMILE AND WARM HUGS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
GINA BUCHANAN
OF NORTHERN HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE
Richard Gordon
January 12, 2009
Ken taught me how to serve people with insurance. I use those skills today. His attitude in life was always " Marine Tough"," no problem", and positive. God bless you Patricia and all your family for sharing Ken with us. He will be missed. Richard and Donna Gordon
Judy Robison
January 12, 2009
Aunt Pat and all my cousins: We will truly all miss Uncle Kenny. Just fortunate I was able to visit with him last weekend...Know that he's watching over all of us now..Love ya
Lonnie Cassidy
January 11, 2009
I had the fortunate opportunity to work for Ken in what I describe as my first "real" job. What an incredibly strong and inspiring person he was. His sense of humor could not be topped. It was wonderful to see his devotion to his family, his friends and Mutual of Omaha. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julie Miles (Cornwell)
January 11, 2009
Dear Jeff,
I hoped this wasn't your father but when I saw the picture and those bright eyes knew it was--you had those same bright eyes in high school. I remember you as such a nice guy, and I know what it's like to lose your father. He sounds like such a wonderful man. My sincerest sympathies to you and your family, God bless you all.
Carl Pierce
January 11, 2009
I knew Ken for over 28 years as a colleague in the insurance field in Redding, and served under him for several of those years with Mutual of Omaha. Without a doubt, he was the best manager I ever worked with - he was fair, honest, and caring for his clients and his agents.
Please accept my deepest sympathies in your loss.
Kathy Cisler
January 11, 2009
Dana, Susie & family,
Sorry to hear of your loss of your Father & Grandfather. It was a pleasure to see him & your Mother at Josh & Jenny's wedding. Our thought & prayers are with all of you.
Kathy & Joe Cisler
Fred Lonas
January 11, 2009
I was so sorry to read of Ken's death. I always said he was the best Mgr. I had in 35 years with Mut. of Omaha. Always positive, supportive and a good mentor.
Fred Lonas
Pat Maddox
January 11, 2009
Dear Patty,
I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I often think back to the Charcoal Room days and the many times that you two were there. It was always a treat to see you come in. My deepest sympathy.
Vickie and Jeff Gordon(Durham)
January 11, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Brenda, we love you and are so sorry for the loss of your Dad.
marie julian
January 11, 2009
I have a special song to send you that my boyfrien wrote and sings. It was written for his friend who lost his wife it is very beautiful I know you will enjoy it. Leave a email address and I will send it.
I was Ken's barber for a while and Jeffy too. I know they are together now
Brandi Holloway
January 11, 2009
A wonderful, caring, thoughtful man will be missed. Ken always had a smile on his face and a hand to help you.
Walter Whitecotton
January 10, 2009
Trish and family, Faye and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. Ken not only was a member of the Montana Hall of Fame but he was a member of Life's Hall of Fame to all of those that had the honor of knowing, working and playing ball with Ken. He was a great friend and will be missed very much by all of us that enjoyed being with him and your family in those days in Montana in the 1960's. Whitey & Faye
shiela schmitz
January 9, 2009
Are thoughts and prayers our with you and your family. You were a wonderful man and friend, we will miss you dearly.
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