The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

William (Bill) Henry Funke passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 at the age of 97.

Bill was born on April 2, 1925 and grew up in Atchison, Kan., during the Depression. When WWII broke out, he enlisted and served in Company A, 17th Armored Infantry Battalion (AIB), of the 12th Armored Division "Hellcats," US Army. Serving as a scout and a runner on the front lines in France, he was captured in January 1945 and held in a German POW camp (Stalag II-B). After being liberated, he received the Bronze Star as well as the Purple Heart for shrapnel injuries he received in a grenade explosion just before being captured. His service to the 12th Division continued when in the mid-1980s he discovered they had a yearly reunion. He and Lola joined the organization, and he soon became the chaplain and the unit representative for his battalion. He wrote a monthly article about the 17th AIB for the Hellcat News until retiring from that position in 2021 at the age of 96.

After his discharge from the service, he enrolled at the University of Colorado majoring in music education. He would influence and inspire many young lives, including those of his own children and grandchildren, for whom music continues to be held in highest regard. His first teaching job was in Haxtun in 1950. In 1964 the Funkes moved to Fort Collins, where he taught at Lesher Junior High and Poudre High School. He retired from Poudre in 1984 and was inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in helping to start the Colorado State University Music Camp in the 1960s and was the voice for the CSU Ram Marching Band for nearly four decades. In retirement he continued to give music lessons and played in the Loveland Concert Band.

He was also active in the Lion's Club while living in Haxtun and Fort Collins.

Beyond this, though, his greatest accomplishment was in living out his faith in Jesus as his Savior that he received when he was baptized as a child. He grew up in a Christian home and was active in the church throughout his life. He and Lola were faithful church and Bible study attenders. He either directed or sang in the choir. He also led the effort at St. John's Lutheran Church to fill backpacks with school supplies for Laurel Elementary School before school started in the fall, as well as Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts for Laurel families. After he retired from teaching he and Lola worked several years with Laborers For Christ traveling throughout the Midwest helping to build churches. He was able to continue attending church up to three weeks before he died. Even with all he did in his life, he knew that while he was living out his faith and using his God-given abilities to serve others, it was only by believing in Jesus that he would receive the gift of eternal life in heaven, a gift he is now experiencing. What a wonderful legacy he leaves to all who know him.

Bill met his future wife, Lola Mae Papke, when he moved to Haxtun and with whom he enjoyed what would have been 72 years of marriage on Oct. 22. Spending time in the mountains was very important to them. Together they have two sons, Dave and wife Karen and Ken and Linda. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a brother and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by a baby son; great-granddaughter; brother; and three sisters.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 19 at St. John's Lutheran Church. Interment followed in Haxtun on Oct. 20.

Memorials may be given to the St. John's Lutheran Church Foundation, 305 E. Elizabeth Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 or the 12th Armored Division Museum, 1289 N. 2nd St, Abilene, TX 79601.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed, indeed, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them." - Revelation 14:13

Visit Bill's tribute page at goesfuneralcare.com to share condolences with his family.