Donald Funk

Donald Edward Funk, age 98, of Lancaster, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 6, 2016, at his son

s home in Appleton, WI.

He was born on December 26, 1917, the first son born to Edward and Amelia (Kilburg) Funk. Donald graduated from Lancaster High School in 1936. He married Hazel I. Moore on September 17, 1940, in Lancaster. Donald proudly enlisted to serve his country during WW II from July of 1944, joining the 330^th Infantry 83^rd Division, until 1946. He earned both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals for his heroic service in the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne and crossing of the Rhine River. Upon his return from the war, Donald worked with his father, Edward and his brother, Milton at Funk

s Motors. He was elected fire chief of the Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department in March of 1962, stepping down in 1965. Donald later was employed as the head bookkeeper for fifteen years and a bus driver for twenty years for the Lancaster Community School District, retiring in 1982. For many years, he and Hazel enjoyed golfing and wintering in Florida. Donald and Hazel enjoyed their membership at the Lancaster Country Club for many years, where he won numerous club championships. His loving wife, Hazel passed away in 1990. On August 22, 1992, Donald was united into marriage to Ivanelle W. Ruetten. He was a member of the William Pollock VFW Post #2344, Richard Burns American Legion Post #109, and the Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster.

Donald is survived by his loving family: daughters, Judy (Jerry) Wehrle and Carole (Dennis) Peterson and son Dave (Ann) Funk. Grandchildren: Crystal (Mark) Weber, Misty (Shane) Crowley, Elizabeth and Christopher Funk. Donald was blessed with 4 great-grandchildren: Joshua and Sydney Weber and Taron and Trasen Crowley. Donald is also survived by a sister-in-law, Nola Funk, and many members of the Schaefer Family.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife Hazel in 1990 and his wife Ivanelle in 2014, a sister Genevieve (Cyril) Schaefer and brother Milton Funk.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster with Reverend David Froemming officiating. Burial with military honors accorded by Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109, William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344, and DAV No. 40 was at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Friday, September 9, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family. A Donald E. Funk Memorial Fund has been established.