Earl W. Funk (91) of Effingham

Earl W. Funk, 91, of Effingham, IL, died at 6:07 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Effingham, IL.

In keeping with Earl’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Private burial will be held in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. Online condolences may be left by clicking here.

Earl was born on October 31, 1929, in Effingham, the son of Edgar and Blanche (Wyckoff) Funk. At an early age, he became a Christian and was a member of the Blue Point Baptist Church. During his early twenties, he was elected Superintendent of the Blue Point Sunday School and enjoyed serving in this capacity for a number of years. His membership was later transferred to the First Baptist Church of Effingham, where he was selected to serve as Deacon. He served on various church committees, including the Radio and Finance Committee, and was Chairman of the Flower Committee for a number of years. He also served in various age groups as Deputy Superintendent.

Although Earl was a life-long Baptist, he greatly admired the quiet, prayerful life of the Franciscan Order and on many occasions, used the Prayer of St. Francis in his Sunday School Devotions. He especially loved the words “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.”

He was employed for a number of years as Vice President of a lending institution and later was employed by Schottman’s Office Equipment. Following retirement in December of 1991, he served as Hospitality Host for Days Inn of Effingham for an additional seven years. Following his second retirement, he enjoyed employment as Manager of the Doedtman Apartment Complex on St. Anthony Avenue, where he resided for a number of years. Earl was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Effingham, Effingham County Farm Bureau, and the Effingham Rotary Club. Journalism was one of his favorite subjects, and he loved writing articles pertaining mainly to life during the 1930s and the 1940s.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents.