Arnold “Arnie”F. Funk, born April 13, 1921, died in the early evening hours of April 1st. with his daughter and son by his side.
Arnie was born somewhere near Larkspur or Salida , CO. He never had an official birth certificate, as he was born on the homestead. After returning from WWII, his mother told him that when he was born the doctor showed up about a week late and told her dad would not survive to see 6 weeks. 92 years later he sure showed him!
As a child, dad moved with his family all over the Northwest. They lives many places from WA state, Northern MT, and finally settling on Brackett Creek near Clyde Park MT.
Dad joined the Army in July of 1942. He trained with the first 10th Mtn Division at Camp Hale, Co. There he learned mountaineering, skiing, and horseshoeing. His MOS was mule skinner, packed supply’s in and wounded soldiers back.. He was stationed in Africa and finally Northern Italy. The division entered combat on January 28, 1945 in the North Apennine Mountains of Italy, Riva Ridge, Mount Belveder and in the Po Valley which was near the end of the war.
He returned home and married Mildred L. Enger on February 18, 1950 in Livingston. The couple moved to Arizona and lived there before returning to Helena in 1959. He continued to call Helena home for the remainder of his years.
Dad worked road construction spring, summer and fall around the state, until his retirement in 1982. In the winter months he would pearl dive (wash dishes) and trap to earn extra money to support his family.
On St. Patricks day of 1983 he married Laura Nerpel.
During retirement he was always busy gardening, fishing, hunting, riding his 1980 Harley with side car or his four-wheeler, working around his home and at his beloved cabin on the upper end of Hogan Creek by Lincoln Mt, and rebuilding old cars. He was most proud to be a father of James Funk of Greybull, WY; Lynn Isaak (deceased 1992); Judy Thompson of Helena, Mt; and Beth (Ed) Dimock of Helena Mt; and four adult step children. His most enjoyable times were not only with his many friends, but also with his 7 Grandchildren, Shanda, Jody and Kris Isaak, Shawn and Scott Smith, and Luke and Nicole Funk. He was happy to see his family grow with twelve Great Grandchildren, three Great-Great Grandchildren. Dad enjoyed all of his fellow veterans, especially the Amigos, and attending the annual Grayballs shoot at Funkville, WY, on Labor Day.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Gladys Funk, first wife Mildred; second wife Laura; daughter, Lynn; brothers, Oliver; Howard, Fred, Jess; and sisters Lovina, Irene, Bertha, and Julia. His one surviving sibling is Ed Funk.
A social gathering celebrating Arnie’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6th at the Eagles Lodge, 715 Fee Street. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 7 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Dad was proud to be one the first from Montana to join the Big Sky Honor Flight, visiting DC and the WWII memorial. We ask, that in lieu of flowers, we know dad would be honored if his friends would please donate to the Honor Flight program. Donation checks payable to: Big Sky Honor Flight can be sent to P.O. Box 80201, Billings, MT 59108.Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Arnie.
Mr. & Mrs. William Foster says
Loving thoughts, prayers and condolences. Will will miss this wonderful man! Love Willie & Deb
Jerry Reed says
Arnie was a trooper in the real sense. First met him when he rode his “Harley” with Thelma in the side cart! Later in the day drove up in his Corvette. Enjoyed him so much in all the “10th Mountain Division” meetings and his quick wit. His passing will leave another void in the lives of everyone who knew him and my thoughts and prayers to all his family. Ride that Harley hard Arnie and maybe it’ll sprout wings!!!! Friend Jerry Reed
Brenda Nerpel says
I loved Arnie like a father, I am so sad right now and am going to miss him so!!! I am going to miss his frequent phone conversations and laughs we shared. He was a grandfather to my children and a great-grandfather to my grandchildren. He was always so happy to see us. He always enjoyed when there was children around and had lots of things around to entertain them. My children and I will miss him dearly.
I love you Arnie, Rest In Peace my dear!!!!!!