Funke, David O.

David O. Funke, 71, of 3224 182nd St., Dyersville, Iowa, died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at his home in rural Dyersville, surrounded by his loving family. Friends and relatives of David may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Reiff Funeral Home, Dyersville, where a wake service will be held at 4 p.m. and the Dyersville American Legion service will be held at 7 p.m. Services for David Funke will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, with the Rev. Dennis Quint officiating. Burial will be held in St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, with full military honors afforded by the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

David was born Sept. 19, 1940, son of Otto and Emma (Deutmeyer) Funke on the family farm in Dyersville (Delaware County), Iowa where he lived his entire life. He received his education in the Dyersville area schools. On May 30, 1968, he was united in marriage to Janaan Manternach at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa. The couple farmed in the rural Dyersville area.

David enjoyed farming and working the land. He especially loved his family and was very proud of his grandchildren. David's life exemplified strength of spirit and a strong will to live life to the fullest despite the challenges life presented him. His fortitude carried him forward even as his body began to fail. David is an inspiration to all who love him.

He was an Army Veteran, having served from 1963 to 1965. He was a member of the Dyersville American Legion Post #137 and the St. Francis Xavier Parish in Dyersville

He is survived by his wife, Janaan Funke of Dyersville; two sons, Douglas (Wendy Willenbring) Funke of Center Point, and Daniel (Cindy) Funke of Appleton, Wis.; two daughters, Debra (Paul) Engler of Worthington, and Dawn (Adam) Recker of Dyersville; nine grandchildren, James, Josh, and Joe Engler, Carli, Ben and Tyler Funke, and Eli, Claire and Zoe Recker; siblings, Leroy (Lois) Funke of Dyersville, Vila Hofer of Dubuque, Norma Edleman of Cedar Rapids, Dennis (Jean) Funke of Dubuque, and Marilyn (Roger) Mescher of Dyersville; and one sister-in-law, Elaine Funke of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dean Funke on Dec. 9, 2001; a brother, Robert Funke; and brothers-in-law, Robert Edleman and Dale Hofer.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

A David O. Funke memorial fund has been established.

The family of David would like to thank Dr. John Viner and his staff, the nurses of Finley Hospital and the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all the care and support given to David.

Published in The Gazette Sept. 27, 2011.