Menno Funk

On January 23, 2023, Menno Funk, aged 95 years, was called home and finally reunited with his beloved wife Doreen.

Born August 13, 1927, near Lowe Farm, Manitoba, Menno is predeceased by his wife, Doreen (Arseneau). He is survived by his sister Evangeline (John), sons David (Laureen), and Paul (Tammy), grandchildren Kylie (Austin), Christopher (Kim), Jamie (Dana), and Jesse (Elysha), six great-grandchildren; Thea, Isabel, Faryn, Vincenzo, Jane and Dominic with number seven arriving in the spring.

Menno’s grandparents came to Canada in 1875 from Ukraine, Russia settling in Niverville, Manitoba. His parents, John and Margaret, married in 1919 and had 6 children (Bill, Hilda, Trudy, Menno, Jacob and Evangeline), Evangeline being his last remaining sibling.

Coming from a farming community, Menno’s first job was that of helping maintain the family homestead. As a young man he moved to Winnipeg to join the Reimer Express Lines trucking company. Having proved himself a leader within this fledgling organization, Menno was tasked with managing a satellite terminal in Port Arthur which later became Thunder Bay. It was here that Menno met and married his wife Doreen settling together to raise their 2 sons.

Menno’s value for hard work, combined with Doreen’s energy and motivation, found them spending many hours building and enjoying their summer camp at Hawkeye Lake; a place that would later become a second home. Farm life had instilled these valuable qualities which drove many of Menno’s passions. Others would respond saying that it was just part of his “stubborn,” Mennonite character.

Menno and his wife Doreen were lifelong members of First Baptist Church. His commitment and service included singing in the choir, ushering, serving as a church deacon and as an associate for the Gideons. Menno remained at Reimer Express until his retirement where he and Doreen began enjoying extended summers at the camp and winters in Arizona. Where ever he went, Menno was known for his kind heart and generous spirt, finding joy in the helping of others.

For the past 6 years Menno was a resident of Chartwell Independent Living on Arundel, and it was there that he found himself as part of a new family of seniors. The staff there always went out of their way to make him feel special and give him the help he needed; whether he wanted it or not. Menno always looked forward to visiting with family including the 4-legged ones, most recently Kaz, Blue, and Dallas. His favorite pastimes involved spending time outdoors, napping and mealtimes with Sumie, his favorite Chartwell dinner companion. Oh, the stories they would tell each other! But that, in itself, is another story.

Sadly, even hard work, integrity, passion and commitment cannot bypass the aging process. Although this brought him many challenges, his staunch, stubborn independence allowed him to persevere. Right up until the end he let it be known who was in charge; and he did so while sporting a full head of long, white, wavy hair. The life lessons he modeled were meant for us all, but he wanted them first and foremost to be for his sons. We can almost hear him say, “I hope you boys were taking notes. There will be an exam someday.”

We know Menno would want to acknowledge everyone who was involved in his end-of-life care. If his memory allowed he would thank the excellent Medical Care Team, nurses and doctors at TBRHSC, his Chartwell “family,” and everyone who visited with him over the years offering words of encouragement and prayer. It was evening when he passed, but he’s waking to a brand, new day!

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

See you later dad. Say “hi” to mom for us.