George Funcke

He was a machinist in area machine shops starting in 1943, retiring from Marsh Stencil as tool and die maker in 1988. He was an accomplished trumpet player, organizing, fronting, and playing lead trumpet for Top Brass, a 17-piece big band, from 1966 until 1983. He was a member of O’Fallon First United Methodist Church, Toastmasters Club 4206, Belleville-E. St. Louis Musicians Local #29-717.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Olivia (Schmidt) Funcke, a sister Jeanine Billings.

He is survived by Arleene Funcke, his wife of 54 years; a stepson Larry (Ginny) Green of Caseyville, a stepdaughter Cheryl Green (David Brown) of University City, MO; 2 granddaughters – Angie (Bruce) Bayer of Collinsville, Kellie (Kevin) Underwood of Maryville; 2 great-granddaughters – Melissa and Melinda Bayer of Collinsville; a niece, a nephew, cousin Albert Ott, special friends Joe Owens and Vern Boeckman.

Memorials are appreciated to the O’Fallon First United Methodist Church. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeview funeralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview

Heights, Illinois.

Funeral: Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2014, at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.