Merle Orville Funk, 87, a long time resident of rural Griswold, Iowa, passed away Thursday February 7, 2013, at Heritage House in Atlantic.
Merle was born May 15, 1925, south of Lyman, to Laura (Knoke) and Orville Funk. As a child he attended rural school and graduated from Griswold in 1943. After graduation Merle farmed with his father until November of 1950 when he joined the U.S. Army.
He married Janice Darrow on May 13, 1951, in Atlantic and was sent to Germany soon after. Merle courageously served 16 months before returning home October of 1952. He and Janice then moved to the H.L. Nettz farm which they rented and later purchased in 1968 from the Nettz estate. The couple was blessed with four children.
As a devoted family man, Merle cherished time spent with loved ones. Hunting and fishing were among his favorite past times. He also treasured memories of trips taken to Las Vegas, Colorado and Arizona. He was a lifetime member of the Noble United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and trustee. Merle was also treasurer of the Noble Center Cemetery Board for many years. He will be remembered by those who knew him as an honest, hardworking, dedicated husband, father and friend.
He is survived by wife Janice; three sons: Gregory "Festes" Funk, Mark (Diane) Funk, Steve (Amy) Funk, all of Griswold, IA: one daughter: Jo Beth (George) Forst of La Vista, NE; five grandchildren: Alicia Forst of Omaha, NE, Clayton Funk of Griswold, IA, Spencer Funk of Eagle Grove, IA, Brian Funk of Iowa City, IA and Laura Funk of Griswold, IA.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Darrell.
There will be open visitation for Merle at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA on Saturday February 9, from 9am-12pm and Sunday February 10, from 1:00pm until family will meet with friends on Sunday evening from 5-7pm. Pastor Marion Sindt will be officiating at the funeral service which will be held on Monday February 11, 2013, at 10:30am at Noble United Methodist Church south of Lyman. A committal service will be held at the Noble Center Cemetery followed by a military service by the Griswold American Legion Post 508.
Memorials may be made to the family in honor of Merle.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for the family and the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Merle Orville Funk

BORN
May 15, 1925 ~ Cass County Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
Thursday February 7, 2013
At the age 87years, 8 months and 23 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday February 11, 2013 ~ 10:30am
Noble United Methodist Church

OFFICIATING
Pastor Marion Sindt

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“How Great Thou Art”
“Amazing Grace”
By Congregation

MUSICIAN
Charlene Hines ~ Piano
Mary Pelzer ~ Organ

BEARERS
Alicia Forst Laura Funk
Clayton Funk Spencer Funk Brian Funk

INTERMENT
Military Graveside Service
By Griswold American Legion Post 508
Noble Center Cemetery
Lyman, Iowa


LUNCHEON
Merle’s family invites friends and relatives for a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Noble United Methodist Church following the committal service.

Roland Funeral Service Atlantic, Iowa

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