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FUNK, Anna A.

(nee Von Kampen)

Our mother's life's journey ended at age 96 in February 2009 at the Menno Home. Her family is grateful for the compassionate care she received during the last eleven years of her life. Several years ago she wrote her obituary.

Obituary

I, Anna Funk (nee von Kampen) was born in 1912 in the village of Eichenfeld near Nikolaipol, Ukraine, south Russia. My parents were Abram and Maria (nee Warkentin) von Kampen. I am the second of four daughters. My father was murdered in 1919 and mother who was severely traumatized, died the following February. My younger sister (born in December) also died. I was 7 years old when my parents died.

We three sisters were taken in by three different families. I lived with the Franz Schellenbergs, and was expected to work hard. I was baptised on confession of my faith in Jesus my Savior by Aeltester Heinrich Epp and received into membership in the Mennonite Church in Nikolaipol in1933. On June 24, 1934 David Gerhard Funk and I were married. It was a particularly difficult time in the Ukraine. Reverend Peter Ens who was in the Trud army digging trenches needed to be called. He had to return immediately and could not stay for coffee after the ceremony. Mother sent along a snack with him. Five children were born into our family, all of which came to Canada when we emigrated.

My loving husband passed on in 1963. His passing was a great heartache and since then I am often overcome by loneliness.

Children, weep not for me. You have all have your professions and are self-sufficient.

My life has been full of love and sorrow and God has blessed both. God was our protector and let us emigrate to Canada in 1948 for which we are thankful to our heavenly father.

I long for home

I am going to my Father's house

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2.

Anna was predeceased by her husband David Gerhard (1963), daughter Herta Marie (1990), and son Victor Bill (2003). She is survived by her daughter Annie Linda (Henry) Thiessen, daughter-in-law Marilyn, son Johann David (Vera), daughter Valentine Kay (Erwin) Warkentin, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

In honor of our mother who was orphaned at age seven, donations may be made to orphanages in the Ukraine through Mennonite Central Committee.



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