VERNON LEROY FUNK

Vernon Leroy Funk, 90, completed the race of endurance God set before him, crossing the finish line and entering the gates of heaven, the place he longed to be, on April 30, 2025 at his home in Palm Desert, California. Born on July 8, 1934, in Wolf Point, Montana, to Cornelius C. and Helen (Thom) Funk, Vern was the eldest of five siblings: Richard, Roland, Helen, and Jim. The family lived in Culbertson for a time, where, at age 10, Vern prayed with his mother to accept Jesus as his Savior—a decision that guided the rest of his life. He graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1953 and soon after went with a friend to attend North Central Bible School in Minneapolis. Though he only stayed a year, he left with something more lasting — a new friend who became his wife, Barbara (Watson). Vern said it was love at first sight. And when asked if she cooked for him first, he said, “No, that was a bonus.” In 1954, Vern enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. He and Barbara married on August 13, 1955, a decision driven partly by his wish not to return to the barracks alone, but undoubtedly rooted in something deeper. Their daughter Brenda was born during those years in Alaska, marking the beginning of a family journey filled with love and faith. Honorably discharged in 1957, Vern began civilian life in Duluth, Minnesota. His first job as a postal carrier didn’t quite suit him, but when he happened into an insurance office to pay a premium, a job posting there set him on a new path, one that would define his career and echo his tenacious spirit. When his mother Helen heard of his new profession, she recalled a saying: “No one has endurance, like the man who sells insurance.” That proved true — few matched Vern's tenacity and drive. As the family grew with the births of Brian, Bryce, and Brent, so did their involvement at Duluth Gospel Tabernacle. Vern’s faith was not something he wore lightly, it permeated every area of his life. If there was a service, Vern was probably there. His hands, so often lifted in worship, and his deep desire to lift every concern in prayer, are lasting memories his family holds dear. In 1973, Vern was promoted to oversee a regional insurance territory in North Dakota and western Minnesota, prompting a move to Moorhead, MN. There, the family became active members of Evangel Temple. Vern’s proudest professional moment came when he reported selling 35 policies in a week—unbelieved at first, until he returned with proof. Two competitors asked to join his team. Still, he called raising his children his greatest achievement. Family vacations were frequent, packed into the car and headed cross-country. In 1980, they purchased a cabin on Buffalo Lake — a place that became the heart of summer family life, filled with laughter, Barb’s delicious cooking, pontoon rides, cherished memories and games around the table… even if Vern needed a little coaxing from his grandkids to participate in the game. He did so while complaining that he never won (that’s not true, he often won.) Vern retired from his company in 1984, but not from working. That same year, he and Barb joined dear friends from Duluth to plant a church, Valley Christian Assembly, in Palm Desert, California. From then on, they spent winters in California and summers back in Minnesota, continuing ministry, family time, and even insurance sales. Vern kept a valid insurance license until the very end, a testament to his commitment to seeing things through or as some in his family might call it… his stubbornness. Vern was also known for loving cruises. Two special cruises for the family took place to celebrate Vern and Barb’s 50th and 60th anniversaries. Instead of piling into the family car, the entire Funk family piled onto a cruise ship in 2005 and 2015 for a week full of sun, sand, family dinners, and ice cream cone eating competitions. It gave Vern great joy to see his family spending time together, laughing, reminiscing, and playing games. He really was the backbone of our family. Throughout his life, Vern was known for his unwavering faith, his wisdom, and his hugs. He also had quite the fondness of duct tape and transition lenses. Duct tape could fix just about anything and you'd see that love in the homes he lived in. And the man did love his transition lenses. Looking at all the family photos, you don't often see his eyes as they are hidden by the darkened lens. He was a style icon of his own. He was the person to call for life advice, spiritual encouragement, or help navigating an insurance policy. His impact rippled through his family, his churches, and every community he was part of. He was often a deacon at the churches he attended and was an elder at Valley Christian Assembly. Vern is survived by his loving wife Barb, just months shy of their 70th anniversary, and his children: Brenda (Randy) Backlund, Brian (Beth), Bryce (Julie), and Brent (Rose). He was deeply loved by his ten grandchildren: Stacie, Craig (Afton), Nick, Jonathan, Nathan (Mandy), Emily, Lauren (Ryan), Kylie, Kaitlin (Matt), and Jacob; and by seven great-grandchildren (with another on the way). He is also survived by his brothers Roland (Annette), Jim (Erin), sister-in-law Marlene and brother-in-law Bob Watson along with other loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen, his brother Richard, and his daughter-in-law Cynthia. Vern ran his race with endurance — with faith, strength, and heart. And now he rests, having finished well. Grandpa, choose a mansion near a lake in the desert (it’s heaven, there’s got to be a lake in a desert there!) where there’s room for the rest of us! We will miss you greatly until we see you again! Pontoon rides in eternity! Service will be held in both Palm Desert and Minnesota - further detail will be posted as available.

VERNON LEROY FUNK

July 8, 1934 - April 30, 2025