Janet Joan Funk, 77, of Russell, died on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at Main Street Manor of Russell.
Janet was born on June 30, 1946, in Russell. She was the daughter of LaVern H. and Elaine L. (Karst) Becker. She grew up on the family farm near Milberger. She graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1964. She then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a Degree in Elementary Education.
Janet was united in marriage to Wayne E. Funk on Aug. 07, 1966, at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. From this union, Janet and Wayne were blessed with three sons Doug, Warren, and Deric.
Janet was a dedicated Teacher for 40 years. She started teaching in 1967. She worked for a few local school districts before spending most of her teaching years in Russell. She also was the Librarian at the school.
Janet was an active member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. She was on the Church Council, sang in the Choir, and taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Prairie Mates FCE for 52 years, Milberger Activities Association, the K- State Extension Council, Sunflower 4-H member and Leader, and was the Russell County Republican Committeewoman. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, singing, a little gambling, and taking advantage of her Gift for Gab. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Janet lived by the motto “Take Care of Everyone” and this was a strong influence on her and her family.
Surviving family include her sons Doug Funk (Teema) of Russell, Warren Funk (Erica) of Rexford, and Deric Funk (Mandy) of Galatia; brother Martin Becker and wife Susan of Russell; four grandchildren Lakin, Kaitlyn, Camille and Callen Funk; three step-grandchildren Molly, Macy and Chloe and three step-great-grandchildren Delilah, Amari and Lovelyn. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Wayne on Sept. 05, 2022.
Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, at Pohlman-Varner- Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Memorials have been established with Prairie Mates FCE, Community for Classrooms or Milberger Cemetery Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.