Service Information
Bernard “Butch” Funk, age 79, husband of Mary, of Hutchinson passed away Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Cokato Manor in Cokato.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 28, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with interment in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Stewart at a later date.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 4:00 P.M.-6:00 at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. There will be a Parish Prayer Service at 5:30 P.M. on Sunday at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel.
Obituary
Bernard “Butch” Joseph Funk was born on December 10, 1943, in Boon Lake Township, Renville County, Minnesota. He was the son of Lloyd and Barbara (Gertie) Funk. Butch was baptized as an infant at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, at St. Bonafice Catholic Church in Stewart, Minnesota. He received his education in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1961.
On May 13, 1968, Butch entered active military duty and served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was Honorably Discharged on August 25, 1969, having achieved the rank of SP4.
On May 6, 1967, Butch was united in marriage to Mary Maiers at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart. After their marriage, the couple resided in Cokato, Minnesota, most of their married life. Butch and Mary were blessed with four children. Butch was employed as a service tech for the telephone company in Cokato, retiring in 2006. After his retirement, he drove school bus. Butch and Mary shared 56 years of marriage.
Butch was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the American Legion in Cokato and the VFW in Litchfield.
Butch enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, traveling and watching TV. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
When he needed assistance with his daily care, Butch became a resident of Cokato Manor and passed away there on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the age of 79 years. Blessed be his memory.
Butch is survived by his:
Wife, Mary Funk of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Kevin Funk and Julie Books of Hutchinson, MN,
Angela (Mathew) Solamsaas of Morris, MN,
Jeffrey (Julie) Funk of Eau Claire, WI, and
Benjamin (Patricia) Funk of Richfield, MN;
Grandchildren, Courtney Duvick, Gabriela Retzer, Catherine Roberts, Abigail Huset, Andrew Olson, Nicholas Solamsaas, Justin Funk, Jayla Funk, Sebastian Funk, Kyle Funk;
Sisters, Pearl Anderson and Delores Leskey;
Brother, Jacob Funk;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Butch was preceded in death by his Parents, Lloyd and Barbara Funk; Brothers, Jacob “Shorty” Funk, Dwayne Funk, John Funk and Lloyd Funk Jr.
Diane Rosenau Christensen says
So Sorry for your loss. Big hugs.
KAREN KOHOUT says
Dear Mary and Family, Sending my Thoughts and Prayers at this sad time. Will always remember how kind he was and his great laugh. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Adrianne Henschke says
Mary – I am sending my deepest condolences at the loss of Butch. Losing your life partner is something one never thinks will happen to them. He will always be with you in spirit and you will feel his presence! I will be keeping you in thought and prayer as you travel the journey that is ahead of you. Sending hugs to you ——
Ann and don konietzko says
Our paths haven’t crossed for a long time and I was saddened to read this today. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thankful we have memories of our loved ones. Take care.
Brenda Johnson says
I am so sorry to read about the passing of Butch in the newspaper. I loved getting to know him through our fitness classes. He talked a lot about his kids, hunting and fishing. I especially admired him as a veteran and loved seeing him at Parades. He will be missed.