SSG (Ret.) Benedict Arnold Funk Jr.

Benedict Arnold Funk, Jr., son of the late Benedict Arnold Funk, Sr., and Agnes Clair Casey (Ruppurt), was born December 30, 1947, outside Ewing, NE on Grandpa John Funk’s farm. He was named after St. Benedict and St. Arnold. He was born 3 months early, weighing 1.5 lbs. He slept in a cigar box and was placed in the warming oven of his paternal grandparents’ wood cook stove. He was fed with an eye dropper, his diapers were men’s handkerchiefs, and he was wrapped in cotton dish towels. He had a precarious start to life but ultimately, he had a full one. He moved to and lived in Orchard, NE, Norfolk, NE, then Omaha, NE all by the time he was 5 years old. He grew up in Omaha, married and had two sons, Matthew Stacy Funk and Benedict “Benny” Arnold Funk, III. He enlisted in the Army on June 21, 1972 and shortly thereafter was stationed overseas in South Korea. While there he divorced and met his future wife and love of his life of 49 years, Sun Yi. After returning from South Korea, he was stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA where Sun Yi joined him, and they were married in 1974. He had two daughters, Victoria Ann Funk (Diaz) and Gail Marie Funk (Rice). He was stationed in Korea again and Germany for a year and then returned stateside where he was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood until his retirement on July 1, 1992. During his military career he was awarded several medals which include the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and the Army Commendation Medal. After retiring from the military, Ben worked as a mechanic for Charlie’s Cars and later Action Automotive until he retired from the workforce. By then, his wife was dependent on him for care after her diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia progressed. She proceeded him in death on December 26, 2023. During his life, he enjoyed spending time with his family, going fishing, camping, fixing cars, road trips to visit old friends, listening to country music, wearing his cowboy boots and plaid shirts, and drinking black coffee. He leaves behind to cherish his memories: four children- Matthew Funk of Suart, IA, Benedict Funk III of Council Bluffs, IA, Victoria Funk-Diaz of Centennial, CO, Gail Rice of St. Robert, MO, and four grandchildren: Tanaysa Jeanette Rice, Giahnna Sunyi Rice, Makaila Remi Funk Diaz, and Kalisie Narae Funk Diaz; two sisters: Agnes Faire and Margaret Krause; and several nieces and nephews along with great-nieces and great-nephews. Ben passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Rolla Missouri after complications from a recent surgery. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Even though he is gone from our sight, Ben’s commitment to his country and family will live on in our hearts forever. Celebration of Life services were held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, Missouri with a United States military chaplain. Speakers were Victoria Funk-Diaz and Margaret Krause as they recalled their wonderful memories of Ben. The songs "One More Day" by Diamond Rio, "Jealous of the Angels" by Donna Taggert, and "You Can Let Go Daddy" by Patricia Maguire were played. Graveside services with military honors were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Benedict Funk and may be mailed or left at Memorial Chapel.

SSG (Ret.) Benedict Arnold Funk Jr.

December 30, 1947 - October 5, 2024