Woody Funk, 98

Woodrow M. ‘Woody’ Funk, age 98, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday evening, April 16, 2011, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.

He was born Sept. 26, 1912, in LaGrange County, Ind., a son of the late George I. and Sarah (Nelson) Funk.

Woody had resided in Sturgis since 1926, coming from Kendallville, Ind. On March 10, 1937, he married the love of his life, Virginia F. “Ginny” Linsley, in Quincy. She died May 12, 2003.

He retired in 1975 from Key Mobile Home in Sturgis. Prior to joining Key Mobile Home, he had been employed for many years as the service manager at Ray Hodgson Lincoln Mercury in Sturgis. He had also worked at the Kirsch Company and as a “soda jerk” at the Candy Land Restaurant, both in Sturgis.

He was proud to have served his country from 1942-1946 during World War II with the U.S. Army, earning the rank of First Sergeant, and was a member of Neuman-Wenzel Post #72 American Legion.

Woody was an active longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, where he had served on many church boards, as an elder, trustee and deacon. He also held memberships in the Sturgis Lions Club and B.P.O.E.-Elks #1381 and for many years volunteered his time with the Froh Community Home Auxiliary.

He is survived by nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother, Ervin C. Funk; a half-sister, Adah Haack; and a stepsister, Ruth Levy.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Woodrow “Woody” Funk will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Michael Wicks will officiate.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donations would be appreciated to First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.

His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.