Clarence Albert Funke, son of Joseph and Mary (Pasker) Funke, was born on January 30, 1926, in Geddes, SD. In 1951 he enlisted with the United States Army and served stateside in the Korean War until being honorably discharged. It was soon after that he met Edna Clow on a blind date.


Clarence was united in marriage with Edna Clow on April 16, 1955, in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple farmed dairy, beef and crops in the Sioux Falls area and began to raise a family. He retired in 1995 and enjoyed traveling to Texas and Missouri.


Clarence was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church and a past commander of the American Legion in Valley Springs. Farming was Clarence's life, but when he found spare time he enjoyed playing cards, golfing, bowling, and dancing with his wife. A caring man, Clarence was dedicated to his family and loved spoiling his grandchildren.


Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Edna Funke, Sioux Falls, SD; three daughters, Teri Peterson and her husband Thomas, Platteville, CO, Recy Pilloud and her husband Conrad, Parker, CO, Gail Versaevel, Sioux Falls, SD; three sisters, Ruth Knudson, Geddes, SD, Rita Nowstrup, Marion, SD, Irene Merkwan and her husband Harlan, Geddes, SD; a daughter-in-law, Sandy Livesay, Brandon, SD; seven grandchildren, Tessa and Trevor Peterson, Heidi, Mirelle, and Colin Pilloud, Logan and Ethan Funke; and a host of other relatives and friends.


Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Roger Funke; six brothers, Albert, Urban, Vernon, Lawrence, Leo, Raymond; and two sisters, Sister Mary Leone Funke and Alice Kuhnert.


The family of Clarence Funke thanks you for your support and presence today. An invitation is extended to join them at St. Therese Catholic Church for refreshments and fellowship following the committal service.


Liturgical Wake Service 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2005 St. Therese Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, South Dakota


Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 10, 2005 St. Therese Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, South Dakota


Interment Hills of Rest Memorial Park, Sioux Falls, South Dakota


Visitation is at 12:00 noon until 4:00 pm on Friday at Miller Funeral Home. The family will be present at St. Therese Caholic Church from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday with a wake service beginning at 6pm