Chester R. Funk, 77, of Ottumwa, died at 10:17 a.m. September 19, 2024 at Mahaska Health.
He was born August 14, 1947 in Fairbank, IA to William R. and Frieda Westendorf Funk. He married Lori Annette Field December 26, 1998. She preceded him in death April 14, 2024.
A graduate of Davis County High School Chester had worked at John Deere Ottumwa Works as a welder and fabricator for 35 years retiring in 2008.
He was a 40-year member, sponsor and mentor of the AA Program.
Chester enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, golfing, mowing, woodworking, and listening to old country music. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Chiefs, and loved spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are his children, Allen (Brenda) Funk of Scotch Grove, Bobbie (Matt) Griffin of Port Byron, IL and Carmen Funk (Dennis Harris) of Pulaski; 11 grandchildren, Steven, Wyatt, Tanner, Colby, Brady, Dana, Daphne, Orrin, Kirby, Laura, and Hattie; siblings, Everette (Sharon) Funk of Tripoli, IA and Marjorie Jackson of Ottawa, KS; a half sister, Jean (Gene) Rarick; and a foster brother, Buster Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his foster parents, Willis and LaRue Brown; brothers, Gerald and Robert Funk; half brothers, Bill Funk and Jim Funk; sisters, Theresa Funk, Dorothy Schnoor and Donna Snead; half-sisters, Delores Kaiser, Catherine Thorndyke and Sara Barton; and a foster sister, Jerry Smith.
His body has been cremated.
Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Monday, September 23rd at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 24th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.
