Funcke, Marcia Ann (Drahovzal)

Marcia Anne (Drahovzal) Funcke, 70, of 2231 42nd St. NE, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 8, 2011. She departed from the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a 2-year battle with cancer. Visitation will be held today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A celebration of Marcia's life will be held Wednesday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids, with a private interment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery following.

Survivors include her mother, Elsie Drahovzal; sister, Carol (Larry) Sipe, Benson, Ariz.; husband of 47 years, Jack Funcke; brother-in law, Bill (Verna) Funcke, Beaver Dam, Wis.; children, Jill (Steve) Brimeyer, Ankeny, and David Funcke, DeKalb, Ill.; three “bonus” sons, Jim (Ellen) Funcke, Coralville, Rick Funcke, Jacksonville, Fla., and Ron (Dee) Funcke, Jacksonville, N.C. Marcia had many grandchildren: Jim's kids, Kelley (Beau) Van Gelder, Cedar Rapids, and Jeff Funcke, Coralville; Ricks' kids, Corey and Casey Funcke (and fiance Ryan Ehn), Monroe; Ron's kids, R.J., Chris (Courtney) and Josh Funcke, all of Jacksonville, N.C.; and Jill's kids, Alissa and Zach Brimeyer, Ankeny. She was blessed this year with a great-grandson, Cael Van Gelder, and also leaves behind a multitude of much-loved nieces and nephews from Wisconsin to Arizona to Washington.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ben, in 1970.

Marcia was born May 4, 1941, in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from Washington High School in 1959, and attended the University of Iowa. In 1962, she began working as a secretary at Allis Chalmers; it was here that she caught the eye of a handsome tool engineer named Jack Funcke, marrying him on April 25, 1964.

After having her first child in 1967, Marcia moved on to her most treasured career - stay-at-home motherhood. She poured herself into volunteering and ministering to others' needs. She served as the “Picture Lady” at Pierce Elementary, introducing grade schoolers to the world of art appreciation, and as a Girl Scout leader. She also teamed with her friend and partner in crime, Muriel Owen, to organize Friendship Bible Coffees and share the Good News with as many people as she could. She did this through leading Bible studies, performing silly skits at women's luncheons or even befriending random people in elevators - Mom loved people, and loved the Lord.

In later years, Marcia served as a secretary at the YWCA and at Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Wherever Marcia was, there would be joy, love, and laughter. She loved to make cards on the computer for friends, which were always hilarious and memorable. Active in the church, she led the Hus prayer warriors and took great joy in singing tenor with the church praise team. She also enjoyed writing, art, playing with grandkids, and doting on her dog, Shiloh.

Most of all, she loved the Lord. Her friends and family will miss her deeply, but rejoice in the knowledge that she is finally home.

Memorials may be given to Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, or the American Cancer Society.

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