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Albert Funk Obituary
1925 - 2014
Albert Gail Funk was born at home in Sterling, Utah on Feb. 18, 1925, the 6th of 13 children of Emily Sigrid Johnson and Charles Buckley Funk. He passed away at home on Oct. 11, 2014.
He lived and worked on his family's farm which gave him a lifetime love of growing vegetables. "Do you know that you can have radishes ready to eat in just 14 days?"
He served an LDS mission in the Northwestern States.
Following his mission he served in the army of occupation in South Korea where he learned to sing the first line of Ah Di Dong.
Because of the GI Bill he went to school at Snow College where he paid $9 a month for a room and was upset because he found out someone else got one for $5. After Snow he enrolled at BYU where he graduated with a B.S. degree. He came to the University of Utah where he studied chemistry under Henry Eyring. He intended to get a M.S. but Dr. Eyring told him to "go to the top" and so he got a Ph.D. He often quoted Dr. Eyring's "go to the top" when he was trying to encourage someone to go to school because he loved learning and thought everyone else did too.
He headed the research department of IRECO for 15 years and traveled the world sharing his expertise in explosives design.
On August 15, 1963, he married Arla Wangsgard in the Salt Lake Temple.
Albert served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a Bishop, a Bishop's Counselor, a High Councilor, a Ward and Stake Mission Leader and when they were desperate, a teacher. Albert & Arla served as Inner City Missionaries for 2 ½ years. He loved missionary work and was always making friends and trying to help others see the same value in the church that he experienced.
He is survived by his wife Arla, daughter Christine Jackson (Brian) of Salt Lake City, sons David (Alisa) of San Antonio, TX, Matthew (Rebecca) of Ogden, Michael and a foster son Melvin Endito (Julie) of Salt Lake City, and fourteen grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at the University Ward, 160 University St, Tue. Oct. 14th at 11 a.m. with a viewing preceding the services at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery among the deer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Funk
David Funk
February 22, 2018
I miss you Dad
October 17, 2014
Dear Arla, Christine and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I remember how cheerful and welcoming he and you always were on 1st South. That picture is just how I remember him. I see him in his grandchildren Ruby, Henry and William in the International Children's Choir. They have his smile and his "go to the top" endurance. His influence will bless us through all eternity.
May God bless you all,
Kathy Sorensen
John Martinson
October 15, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to Bishop Funks family. He will be missed. John (Park) Martinson, Boise, Idaho
Christine Christensen
October 14, 2014
Christine, We are sorry for your loss. Your dad was so kind and friendly. I know that my dad enjoyed the time they worked together at IRECO. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
October 13, 2014
It was a privilage and honor to have known and worked with Albert. My condolences to the family. Dennis Sorenson
Shannon Straight
October 13, 2014
Arla and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. So many fond memories of my visits with Albert and Arla on First South. Albert was such a caring man and was always interested and "listened" to what you had to say. Such a happy soul...always had a smile to share!
He will be missed. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Shannon (Johnson) Straight
October 12, 2014
Such good neighbors. Such a supportive father and example to all. His influence for good will be missed by so many.
Bonnie and Mike Mihlberger
October 12, 2014
Albert was great asset to the Republican party. He believed in the Republican platform and supported candidates who were honest and wise. And he made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world. He had a very strong handshake and you could tell just by looking at him and hearing his voice that he was an honest man. Janalee Tobias
October 12, 2014
prayers are with you and your family Arla. We only spent a short time with you but you and Albert always made us feel welcomed. Beverly and John Bockoven (Becky's aunt and Diana Parker's sister)
Diana and Don Parker
October 12, 2014
All our love and Prayers Arla! We are so grateful to have gotten to know Albert and for your love!
Marianne Woodbury
October 12, 2014
We love you Funk family! I will forever remember cute Albert walking the dogs at your 100 South home.
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