Don Funk Obituary - Donald Everette Funk left behind an incredible legacy as an innovator in the agricultural and seed industries. He left an indelible mark not only within his profession but also beyond it, as well as within the community. He passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2022, at the age of 79, surrounded by his cherished family during his final moments at home. He left behind lasting impacts both professionally and socially that many people will never forget their impact on. Bereavement will last for a very long time.
Born on August 29, 1942 in Kentland, Indiana, Donald Funk was destined to leave a significant mark in the agricultural industry from the moment he was born. This individual was brought up alongside his siblings by his parents, Bill and Arlene Funk, in an environment that instilled values such as innovation, hard work, and community service. In addition to attending Kentland High School, where he graduated with the class of 1960, Don went on to earn a degree from Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He even joined the Army Reserves, which helped him develop a disciplined approach to both his professional and personal life decisions.
The beginning of Don's professional life was spent at Evinrude Motors of Milwaukee, which sparked his passion for boats and water. However, his true calling was with Edward J. Funk & Sons, where he became President at the age of 25 and assumed leadership of the family business they had been running for generations. Under Don’s watchful guidance, this company flourished into one of the industry leaders for seeds with Don leading innovative programs which set new industry standards; furthermore he saw plant breeding not as just work but as his calling towards agricultural advancement through breeding innovation programs that made an impactful statement of creativity that expressed his creativity while contributing towards agricultural advancement through breeding innovation programs led by Don.
DJ Don Funk It was the relationships that Don had with his family and friends that most clearly demonstrated his heart, in addition to the professional accomplishments he had achieved. He was a devoted husband to Abby, a loving father, grandfather, father-in-law, and grandfather-in-law to his four sons, and a doting grandfather and father. However, this was only half of his capacity for love. Don touched the lives of countless other people as an acquaintance or friend throughout Kentland, Chicago Lake Gogebic, and various Funseeker destinations around the world with warmth, humor, and optimism that left an indelible impression on everyone who came into contact with him/her/him!
Don was a devoted advocate for healthcare, the arts, the development of rural communities, sportsmanship, and nature. During his summer vacations, he would find solace and enjoyment by fishing on Lake Gogebic or hunting with his cherished hunting dogs. These activities were not merely things that he did in his spare time; rather, they were an integral part of who he was as a person, a person who had a profound connection to the planet and the beauty that it possesses.
Following Don's lifelong commitment to giving back, his family has made the decision to commemorate his life by making charitable contributions in his name to the Howard Young Foundation in Minocqua, Wisconsin. This is an expression of their gratitude for the life that Don lived to the fullest. An event commemorating the life of Don will take place in Kentland, Indiana, on August 20, 2022. Those who are gathered there will be able to share memories and pay tribute to an individual whose legacy had a significant impact on a wide range of people.
There are memories of Donald Everette Funk's life that reveal someone much more than just a seedsman. He was a person who stood as an icon for kindness, innovation, and dedication, and he left an indelible mark on generations that have not yet been born. As his community says goodbye to him, these memories reveal himself. Don Funk's life serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of having a passion, having family and friends, and having a lasting impact on communities all over the world.
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