Former world traveler and proud veteran Mark A. Funk died June 9, 2022, at his home in Helena, MT.
Mark Funk was born on August 19, 1957, in Missoula, MT, to Gerald and Kay Funk.
Mark was a consistently curious thinker all his life and a protective older brother to his siblings as they grew up overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, and North America.
After graduating from Sleepy Hollow High School, Sleepy Hollow, NY, Mark served in the US Navy for 17 years as an Aviation Electronics Technician and Chief Petty Officer. He has always been interested in the creativity and challenges of art and philosophy. He enjoyed carpentry and especially wood carving.
Throughout his life, Mark strongly connected to Montana as his home state. Wolf Creek and his grandparents’ family home were the center of the world to him.
Ten siblings survive Mark; Theresa (Sam) Funk, Seattle, WA; Gabriella (Ababu) Simenehe, Springfield, VA; Melanie (Josh) Friedman, Richmond, VA; Matt (Joom) Funk, Hanover, PA; Holly Funk, Silver Spring, MD; Megan (Kenny) Brisbane, Hermitage, TN; Prize (Marnel) Funk, Ossining, NY; Rebkah (Desmond) Howard, Miami, FL; Robert (Julie) Funk, Helena, MT; Laura Funk, Helena, MT; and stepmother Moffie Funk, Helena, MT, 20 nieces and nephews, and 8 great nieces and nephews
Mark was preceded in death by his mother Kay McCormick, father Gerald Funk, stepmother Meaza Funk and niece, Tamika Huston
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2022, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave., followed by a burial with Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery, Helena, MT.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 8, 2022
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Memorial Service
Friday July 8, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Andy Bellen says
Thank you for loving my Mama Cirila! I can still remember our video surprise to her on her birthday! We love you, Daddy! ❤️
Cirila says
Mark,thank you for evrything…youre always in my heart
forever…..
Tim Funk says
Mark was my only cousin my age. Always thought his life was so interesting with his travels around the world. He once told me his favorite place was Wolf Creek Montana. He was such a kind person who loved his family dearly. Sometimes life is so hard. Now you are at peace.
Christopher Funk says
Cousin Mark. . .
I only got to know him through a handful of meeting over the years. Though he and His family loomed large in my imagination living an exotic locations meeting kings, emperors, & presidents and such… Even fantasized that they must have had a pet lion. I remember three of The Four M’s journeying cross country stopping to visit us in ‘the exotic’ location of Jordan, Montana arriving in a yellow VW bug definitely wowing us with their presence. Mark was kind and patient despite the deluge of questions from his elementary school cousins. Years later I was in my own trek across the country and beyond. Mark had bought our grandparent’s little red house in Wolf Creek, Montana. Again he was kind and welcoming. In our grandparent’s storage He found a record maker. I mean the actual machine that pressed recordings onto vinyl. He told me he had recovered some recordings of our grandfather and his dad and my pops playing music but he didn’t have a turntable so we missed out on that. I really appreciated our visit. I remember him playing dizzy Gillespie and other jazz. His face lit up with such delight that It would give Bernini’s St Teresa in Ecstasy a run for its money. Even though I’m more of a Coltrain and Mingus guy I was happy for his joy.
I pray him that same joy and more now as he goes to The One who walks on water.
Godspeed cousin.✌🏿
Christopher Funk says
Cousin Mark. . .
I only got to know him through a handful of meeting over the years. Though he and His family loomed large in my imagination ~ living an exotic locations meeting kings, emperors, & presidents and such… I even fantasized that they must have had a pet lion. I remember three of The Four M’s journeying cross country stopping to visit us in ‘the exotic’ location of Jordan, Montana arriving in a yellow VW bug definitely wowing us with their presence. Mark was kind and patient despite the deluge of questions from his elementary school cousins. Years later I was in my own trek across the country and beyond. Mark had bought our grandparent’s little red house in Wolf Creek, Montana. Again he was kind and welcoming. In our grandparent’s storage He found a record maker. I mean the actual machine that pressed recordings onto vinyl. He told me he had recovered some recordings of our grandfather and his dad and my pops playing music but he didn’t have a turntable so we missed out on that. I really appreciated our visit. I remember him playing dizzy Gillespie and other jazz. His face lit up with such delight that It would give Bernini’s St Teresa in Ecstasy a run for its money. Even though I’m more of a Coltrane
and Mingus guy I was happy for his joy.
I pray for him that same joy and more now as he goes to The One who walks on water.
Godspeed cousin.✌🏿
Theresa Hamrick says
I can only echo what others say. Mark was a sensitive , some might say too sensitive, soul. I had the great good fortune to live in Ethiopia with my ‘second family’- uncle/dad Jerry and the the four Ms’ – Mark, Melanie, Matthew and Megan. I was fascinated by their lives. These kids were all world adventurers while they were still in grade school. They would have discussions about their travels amd where they wanted live when they grew up. Melanie, Matt and Megan would change their minds on a whim but Mark never wavered, always chose Wolf Creek. Though younger by several years, he shared his considerable knowledge of the wider world with me. We remained close after I returned to the states. I am so glad a part of him will rest in the Wolf Creek, place he loved best. He cherished his family fiercely, ever our protecter and champion. In addition to his kindness, he loved music, art and craftsmanship. He had a probing , creative mind and a great sense of humor. I will always miss his laugh and be forever grateful for the many ways he touched my life.
Rebkah says
❤️
Holly Funk says
Thanks for helping me out with a roof over my head when I finished beauty school and was homeless.
May you Mark my brother Rest In Peace.
From your sister Holly
Sue Morrow says
Mark was part of a special group of friends at Sleepy hollow high school. He deeply cared for all his friends and was always there if you needed a shoulder or a laugh. To all the Funk family- my condolences on such a sad loss.
KOSTAS KYROS says
Mark,
You were a great friend and such a nice person. I frequently think about and cherish and our friendship and times together back in Tarrytown and Janet and I were honored that you were our best man at our wedding. To the Funk family Janet and I send you our heartfelt condolences. Take care my friend.