Ronald L. Funk

HILLSBORO -  Ronald Lee Funk, former co-owner of Funk's Supply Inc., passed away June 12, 2015, at Salem Home in Hillsboro.  He was born at Salem Hospital in Hillsboro, Kansas on January 1, 1953 to Allen and Leona (Wiens) Funk, the youngest boy of six children.  While still at Hillsboro High School Ron worked part time with his father at Allen Funk's refrigeration, then gradually as the business grew, the job became full time.    Later the business was renamed Funk's Supply, Inc. Ron enjoyed working throughout the community of Hillsboro, and Marion County.  He valued his customers, and always thought of them as friends.  In 1999, Ron was proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Funk's Supply's Inc.  Ron attended Hillsboro High School where he participated in football, basketball, and track and graduated with the Class of 1971.  He loved attending reunions when he could and continued to be a constant fan of the Hillsboro High School Trojans, watching and cheering at games, even traveling out of town for that big win.  In his younger years, Ron thoroughly enjoyed attending Kansas State football games where he would meet up with friends and have a great time.    He never lost his love for football, especially KSU and collected all kinds of K-State memorabilia.  He also enjoyed bowling, water skiing, snow skiing, softball and riding roller coasters, a thrill he shared with his boys. He always wanted front row seat with arms in the air.  On November 7, 1981, Ron married Donna Sherbert of Marion, and they were blessed a few years later with sons, Ryan, Jason, and Josh.  A caring father, Ron's love for his sons was evident in the attention he gave them, the time he spent with them, and his continuous interest in their activities.   He enjoyed woodworking and was very creative, often building the boys whatever they asked for. Ron was a Charter member of Sons of American Legion Post #366.   He served as a commander for four years.  He and other SAL members were instrumental in building the Scout House in 1992 in Memorial Park.  In 1993, he and another member were approached with the idea of an annual Marion County Toy Run.  With Ron's assistance, SAL Post #366 joined ABATE OF KS District #9 and Classic 56 Cruisers, to bring the children of Marion County toys at Christmas.  This year's Toy Run in November will be the 22nd year.  When his mother entered Salem Home, he would make frequent trips to visit her and play dominoes.  He was an uncle that all of his nieces and nephews could rely on at any given moment. As his health issues increased, he entered Salem Home where he was an avid bingo player and enjoyed talking to the staff, other residents and their families.  As complications set in, Ron was unable to leave his room.    Ron will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  He leaves behind his three sons; Ryan and his wife Leigh of Dodge City, KS; Jason and his wife Tiffany of Hillsboro, and his son Josh of Marion, along with five grandchildren, Faith, Lily, Elyssa, Kayden and Rylin, His brother Lester and his wife Donna of Hillsboro; and sister Jeanette and her husband Dan Schaefer also of Hillsboro, along with fifteen nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Delbert and Larry, a sister Joyce, two grandchildren and one nephew.  Visitation is Wednesday 6-8 p.m. at Zeiner Funeral Home in Hillsboro.  Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 18, 2015, at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro.  Inurnment at Haven of Rest Cemetery.  Memorial donations and contributions can be made to Marion County Toy Run c/o Sons of American Legion Post #366 or First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro, in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 902 East D, Hillsboro, KS, 67063.