Jerry Eugene Funk

Jerry Eugene Funk, 83, of Newton died Sunday, May 25, 2014, at his home.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 29, at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials to the First United Methodist Church or to Skiff Hospice may be left at the funeral home or at the church the morning of the service.

Jerry, the son of Donald and Eathel Katherine (Keeton) Funk, was born on May 20, 1931 in Lovilia, Iowa. He lived in Lovilia for three years and in California for eight years prior to moving to Newton. Jerry graduated from Newton High School in 1949 and from 1951-1957 served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was united in marriage with Arlene Baker on June 20, 1952 in Newton. Jerry worked as a Research Technician for over 39 years at the Maytag Company, retiring in 1989. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newton, Maytag Bowling League, Modern Woodmen of America, Newton Square Dance Club, and Flutterwheelers RV Camping Club. Jerry liked spending time with his family, square dancing, bowling, camping, fishing, auctions, photography, taking care of his automobiles, reading western books, and traveling. He and Arlene also enjoyed wintering in California for two years and in Texas for 10 years. Jerry was a talented and skilled woodworker and craftsman.

Those left to honor Jerry’s memory are his wife, Arlene of Newton; children, Vicki (Keith) Rudd of Johnston, David (Suzanne) Funk of Newton, and Nancy (Steve) Tommeraasen; his grandchildren, Heather (Nate) Erickson, Tiffany (Andy) Schmeisser, Ryan Funk (Rosalee Lancaster), Brandon (Nana) Funk, and Chelsea (Brandon) Dunkerson; step-grandchildren, Lena (Aaron Alcott) Tommeraasen and Sara Moore; his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Connor, Anna, Hayden, and MaKenna; and step-great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Madison.  He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Funk; mother, Eathel Katherine Funk; step-mother, Ruth Funk; his brother, Jim Funk; and a sister in infancy, Marilyn Funk.