Anne Funk

The daughter of Jacob H. and Agatha Reimer, Anne was preceded in death by her husband Peter. H. Funk(2003); sons Gerry (2006) and Sheldon (2010), and daughter Verlie Stead (2012); her brothers Jake, Diedrich, and John Reimer; sisters-in-law Clara and Betty; sister Eve Thiessen; “daughter-in-law" Jean Funk; dear family friend Eileen de la Ronde.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Colin (Hope) Funk of Victoria; daughter Tannis (Sig) Laser of Winnipeg; twelve grandchildren: Kelly Maclean, John Maclean (Adele), Jilll Joanette (Richard), Jake Stead (Skaija), Mark Funk, Jenni Funk (Darryl), Peter Funk, Shosana Funk (Terry), Kayce Funk, Nathan Laser (Kelsey), Annie Laser (Ryan) and Alex Laser (Chantal); and seven great grandchildren: Kessa, Taylor, Louisa, Zoe, Teake, Samuel, and Norah; “daughter-in-law” Bernice Funk; her sister-in-law Helen Reimer, and many nieces and nephews.

Raised and schooled in Altona, Anne married Peter on July 5, 1942 and briefly resided in Winnipeg. Peter’s career in education led them to make their homes in Steinbach, Sanford, Altona, Gladstone and Shoal Lake, retiring to Winnipeg in 1980. Wherever they lived Anne was active in the communities, in the church, in various choirs and glee clubs, and the Eastern Star.

With the births of “the twins,” Colin and Verlie shortly after Gerry turned one, and the later arrivals of Sheldon and Tannis, home was a busy place. The challenges grew, but so did the love in her family. Her voice was never raised in anger, only in laughter or in song. Mom’s grace and gentleness commanded respect and her beautiful smile would ask the best of us. In times of happiness, worry, sorrow and pride, she shed her tears silently, shared her smile widely, forgave us readily, and carried us with her prayers. She and Peter made their home a welcoming place for family, friends, and neighbours. There was always room at the table.

In retirement, Anne and Peter enjoyed travelling. Anne was delighted to trade tenting in favour of the Boler trailer, then a van; they made many road trips across the prairies to the West Coast; they toured the eastern provinces, Hawaii, the southern states, and Europe.

On return from these travels Mom was always happy to be home as that meant she’d be able to resume her favourite recreational activity: in early childhood, from the moment she could hold a needle and thread in her fingers, her grandmother began to teach her to sew, embroider, knit, tat, darn, crochet. Mom’s was a wonderful talent that created out of necessitybut gave her great pleasure. Clothing of all kinds, practical and fancy, blouses, slacks, skirts, bridal gowns, baby clothes, a wizard at alterations and creating garments with impossibly small yardage. She knit afghans, sweaters, caps, and mittens; she quilted, crocheted, embroidered, mended; always with meticulous care and respect for the fabric and the recipient of the item.

Her love for her family, and our love for her, will last forever. May she rest, in peace.

A Memorial Service celebrating Anne’s life will be held on her birthday, on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Ave., Winnipeg.

Anne’s family extends gratitude to the staff at The Convalescent Home for the kind, competent and respectful care provided to Mom over the last two years. Mom’s final home, too, was a welcoming place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Anne’s memory to Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Ave., Wpg R3T 4Y1 or The Convalescent Home, 276 Hugo St. N., Wpg R3M 2N6.