M.E. "Gene" Funk Obituary (1923 - 2012)

M. E. "Gene" Funk, 89, of Pana died Saturday, August 11, 2012 in Heritage Health Care, Pana. He was born July 23, 1923 in Millersville, IL, the son of Earl Margaret Ward Funk. A graduate of Pana Township High School Class of 1941, Gene lived in Millersville and Pana his entire life. Gene was an entrepeneur and had formerly owned Herrick Elevator, was a fertilizer dealer, and had owned We-Shred-It as well as U-Dump-It in Pana and Clinton. He also had farmed. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Pana; Locust Lodge for 68 years, now associated with the Morrisonville Lodge; honorary member of Pana Lodge #226 AFAM; Ansar Shrine; Consistory; Christian County Shrine Club where he was president in 1995; Charter member of Shelbyville Shrine Club; Decatur-Macon County Shrine Club; past member of Pana Lions Club and Pana Sports Boosters. Gene and his wife were heavily involved for over 30 years in sending kids to Shriner's Hospital. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus and loved high school basketball and was a big supporter of the City of Pana. Gene and Donis Mae Barber were united in marriage on March 4, 1945 in Millersville. She preceded him in death on December 26, 2007. He is survived by their children: John Funk wife Sherri, Decatur, IL; Earleen Hartrich husband Dave, Decatur, IL; Tom Funk wife Luann, Pana, IL; Mary Stopper husband John, Chapman, KS; 6 grandchildren: Shelly Funk, Sandy Burns, Jason Stopper wife Emily, Justin Stopper wife Ashley, Drew Hartrich and Cameron Funk wife Ann; 2 step grandchildren: Jason Chad Hartrich; 3 great grandchildren: Cody Burns, Lindy Holgarth and Shelby Holgarth; 7 step great grandchildren: Mariah, Logan, Matthew, Khloe, Ella, Kingston, Keagan; and 2 great great grandchildren: Bradon and Kyle. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Kenneth Cordell Funk and sister: Irene Funk Dewitt. Funeral Information Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 15, 2012 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Charles Banning officiating. Burial will be in Millersville Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Masonic rites at 8:00 p.m.