Wayne I. Funk, 59 years old, passed away suddenly on September 17th, 2009. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends and community members as a man of extraordinary gentleness, kindness, and immense patience. Wayne was a teacher at San Juan Elementary School for 34 years, the district CTA president, a veteran of the Marine Corps, and a loving husband and father. His contagious optimism and love of life brought happiness and countless memories to all whose paths he crossed. He is survived by his wife Lauri and his children: Jeremiah, Shelby , Caili and his son-in-law, Brett.
Wayne was best known in the community as a dedicated teacher, he was foundational to the San Juan Elementary School community, teaching over a thousand students during his 34-year tenure as mentor, coach and friend. His students will always remember how “Mr. Funk” taught them how to cook, how to garden, how to learn in new ways that gave them the opportunity to become a part of what they were studying, and most importantly to have fun learning. To them he was, and will always be, “Mr. Funk”. To his co-workers he was the center ground, the unifier of their school community and defender of their best interests. Wayne was a bright light that spread light hearted humor and laughter to all of those who had the pleasure to know or work with him.
As a brave and honorable man, he joined the Marine Corps. and was exceedingly proud to say he was a Marine and was always eager to share the happy memories he had serving our country.
His love of life and desire to enjoy each day was the fortune he provided his family. He loved the outdoors and always understood the true value in the simple pleasures and the beauty it provides. Numerous camping trips, road trips, ski trips, days at the beach, and hours playing basket ball or barbequing in the backyard with his family were the moments that he treasured most. Those memories are the gifts he gave his family.
Wayne will be dearly missed by all who knew him and will live on in our hearts and memories forever.
Services will be held Saturday afternoon on October 3rd, 2009, starting at 4:00 P.M. at the Funk Residence in Hollister. The time of the memorial service will be posted on the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home website at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to www.grunnagle.com
