Robert Funk

Robert Worth Funk, Jr. (Bob)   66 years    Died September 28, 2019. During the 3 ½ years he heroically fought the cancer battle, he always maintained his optimism, courage and sense of humor.

Born November 4, 1952 in Salem, New Jersey. Son of Lilly Funk of Camden, DE and the late Robert Worth Funk, Sr.

Graduated from Rutger's University, New Brunswick, NJ in 1975 with a BS in biology and an AD in chemistry. In 1978 he graduated from University of Utah, SLC, UT with a BS degree in Pharmacy.

For the past 38 years, he worked either as a pharmacist or pharmacy manager in retail, hospital and long term care pharmacies. He was happiest when the pharmacies he managed ran smoothly and his employees were able to laugh and have fun while they worked.

Bob's first love was always music. During high school and college he played the organ for a Vineland, NJ rock band.  In 1993 he was able to assist Merritt Schumann in forming the Schumann Singers vocal performance group. In the initial years of the group he spent many hours behind the scenes recruiting singers, organizing concert venues and making sure there were no loose ends. He found Merritt Schumann to be a wise mentor not only for a strong belief in God, but also for singing, living life well and meeting its many challenges. In the past few years, he  attended 1st Presbyterian Church and sang with the Concert Choir and church choir under the direction of John Howard. Bob admired qualities he saw in John that were reminiscent of those he admired in Merritt.

Bob's second love was for the water. He was a proud member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and was both a Vice Commander and Commander for Flotilla 1-10 in Grand Junction. He especially enjoyed spending time on boats and patrolling the waters at Lake Powell. When not at work, you could find Bob outside fishing, hiking, camping or hunting, usually with his family. Sometimes he just liked to sit outside and soak up the warmth of the sun.

Bob was outgoing and friendly. His family joked that he could make a wall talk to him if he tried. What we will miss most is hearing his stories. Once started, he could tell stories that had all of us laughing and asking for another. First in his life was his quiet faith, followed by family. He was hardworking so that he could provide well for his family.

Bob is survived by his spouse Jeanette, three daughters Anne (Steve) Dreher of Cheyenne, WY, Megan, Denver, CO, and Christa (Jake) DiPaola, Oahu, HA. Sisters Barbara (Fred) Goldschmidt, Suzanne (Steve)Tooze, Kathy (Ed) Stevenson, Patricia (Joe) Davis and brother David (Shelby) Funk. He has three grandchildren, Brielle, Ezra and Iris Dreher.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1st Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 ½ Rd. on Saturday, November 9th at 4 PM. It will be followed by a light dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

Please consider making a memorial contribution to the 1st Presbyterian Church Music Ministry in Robert Funk's name. One way to do this is to go to: http://www.firstpresgj.org and click on the Giving tab.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1st Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 ½ Rd. on Saturday, November 9th at 4 PM. It will be followed by a light dinner in the Fellowship Hall.