Harry R. Funk

Harry Funk WWII Veteran

In the late afternoon of June 28, a loving, tender heart beat for the last time. Just as he hoped, Harry passed away quickly and peacefully, sitting in his favorite deck chair, surrounded by his beautiful flowers.

Harry Robert Funk was born November 21, 1925, in Beach, North Dakota. The son of Harry and Flora and brother to Vera, Millie, and Margie, he quickly developed a love of sports – especially basketball and baseball.

Enlisting in the army, Harry celebrated his 19th birthday on a ship headed for New Guinea. Harry joined the 11th Airborne Division in January of 1945. He participated in the Luzon campaigns in the Philippines and the occupation of Japan. Harry was honorably discharged in 1946, but continued to be active in the Army Reserves for 14 more years, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Bronze Service Arrowhead, the Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze service stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart. We are so very proud of his service to our country!

Harry married Evelyn Staley on February 1, 1951, and to this union were born three children – Lonnie, Terri, and Geri. Harry was a dedicated, hard-working family man who strove to build strong, loving relationships with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in their achievements, supporting and encouraging them in every way. He overwhelmed them with his generosity and unconditional love. There were never enough words to tell him thank you!

Harry set a precedent for an amazing work ethic that will never be matched. For 55 years – yes, 55! -he worked as Vice-President of Marketing for Wyo-Ben Products. His fellow workers through the years grew to become his second family and many tears will be shed in his absence. Even on the day of his passing, Harry went into work for an hour – just to catch up on things.

Besides being his family’s greatest fan, Harry’s other hobbies included gardening in his beautiful, manicured yard and golfing at the Yellowstone Country Club.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn; son Lonnie (Leslie) and grandchildren Amy Armfield and Lindsay Davis; daughter Terri (Bob) McIver and grandchildren Christie and Brandon; and daughter Geri Funk. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren — Avery, Nolan, and Payton Armfield and Ellie Davis.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, the Yellowstone County Junior Golf program, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will begin Sunday, July 1, with a vigil being held Monday, July 2, at 7:00 p.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral mass for Harry will take place Tuesday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2055 Woody Drive, with a luncheon to follow.

Please help us celebrate Harry’s wonderful life!