Kathleen Elizabeth (McMullen) Funke

Kathleen Elizabeth “Kathy” Funke, 84, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at her home. She was born September 26, 1936, at Cascade, to Joseph and Carmelita (Hoffman) McMullen. Kathy was raised and educated in Cascade, graduating from Cascade High School in 1954. She worked as a telephone operator in Dubuque before her marriage.

On February 16, 1957, Kathy was united in marriage to James Funke at St. Martin Catholic Church in Cascade. Five children were born to this union. The couple farmed together on a farm between Greeley and Edgewood until 1993 when they moved into Edgewood. Kathy was a true farm wife even after moving to town. Jim and Kathy traveled all over the world. They wintered in Casa Grande, Arizona, for over 25 years.

Kathy was a woman of faith and community. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greeley and then at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood.  She was a past member of the library board, the Edgewood Women’s Club, Red Hat Society, and helped with the Red Cross. Kathy was active in many other community organizations and events. She enjoyed the Edgewood Rodeo Days and the community recognized Kathy and Jim by selecting them as Grand Marshals in 2016. Kathy enjoyed golfing, gardening, and was an avid card player. Above all else, Kathy enjoyed spending time with her family.  Some of her most treasured memories were the 36 years traveling with family to Lake Okoboji.

Survivors include her four children, Jay (Elaine) Funke of Edgewood, Jody (Dan) Mahnke of Fairfax, David (Rene) Funke of Swisher, and Michael (Stephanie) Funke of Manchester; eight grandchildren, J.C. (Leah) Funke, Michelle (Cain) Brady, Matt Funke, Danielle Mahnke, Abbey Mahnke, Ryan (Melissa) Funke, Morgan (Zach) Less, and Jordan Funke; eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Joyce McMullen of Cascade, Charlotte McMullen of Dubuque, and Elaine Hoffmann of Guttenberg; a brother-in-law, Dan Ott of Madison, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim, in July of 2021; one son, Larry Funke; and her siblings, Marjean Gansen, Jane Slauson, Mary Drexler, Pat Ott, Tom McMullen, and Bob McMullen.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, a memorial fund has been established.

Because of COVID-19, masks are requested at the visitation and the funeral.

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