Lola Mae Funke passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the age of 92.

Lola was born on Jan. 27, 1931 in Firth, Neb. to Herman and Dorothea (Krueger) Papke. She was baptized into Christ on Feb. 22, 1931.

The family moved to a farm near Holyoke while Lola was still an infant, and to a farm near Haxtun when she was eight. The youngest of five children, Lola loved farm life, even though it was a hard life. She remembered entertaining herself as a child by making mud pies and spoke of the entire family sleeping in the cellar of the Holyoke farmhouse where the rooms were divided by hanging sheets as the house had no bedrooms. Light for the rooms was provided by coal oil or kerosene lamps. The family didn't have a Christmas tree until one of her sisters got a job and bought one. Even in hard times, Lola was taught to trust her Savior and she learned that, indeed, He was with her and provided for her. Lola continued to grow in faith and professed that faith on March 25, 1945 in the Rite of Confirmation at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haxtun.

Lola continued her faith journey at Immanuel Lutheran Church through high school, college and as a young adult. After graduating from high school at age 16, she attended Central Business College in Denver and worked as a secretary until she returned to Haxtun when her mother became ill and she was needed on the farm. She worked as a secretary in Haxtun and continued to worship at Immanuel and sing in the choir, where she eventually met and married her husband William (Bill) Funke on Oct. 22, 1950. They were blessed with two sons, David and Kenneth, and a third son who died at birth.

The Funkes moved to Fort Collins in 1964, where Bill taught music in the public school system. Lola was the receptionist for Doctor Robert Schmidt for 18 years. Bill and Lola were faithful members of Saint John's Lutheran Church until their deaths. After retirement, the couple joined Laborers for Christ and assisted with seven building projects across the country. These were some of Lola's most treasured years, as she loved serving others, and above all, serving her Savior.

Lola and Bill loved attending annual reunions of the 12th Armored Division Association, Bill's Army unit in World War II. They usually took care of the hospitality room. Lola was named Hell Kitten of the Year, twice named Woman of the Year and received an award for her caring and outstanding service beyond the call of duty. Members of the 12th were some of their dearest friends.

She is survived by her sons David and wife Karen and Ken and wife Linda; seven grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Lola loved her family and will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. Above all, she will be remembered as a faithful servant of Christ.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill; infant son; infant granddaughter; parents; three sisters; and brother.

"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)

Christian funeral services were held on July 5 at Saint John's Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, with the Rev. Shawn Nettleton officiating. A graveside service will be held July 6 at 11 a.m. at the Haxtun Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Hahn officiating.

Memorial gifts may be given to Saint John's Lutheran Church Foundation. Visit Lola's tribute page at goesfuneralcare.com to share condolences with her family.