Herschel L. Funk

Herschel Funk, 84, of Burlington, died Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born April 4, 1942, in Gunnison, CO, he was the son of Herschel Lee and Naomi (Van Meter) Funk.

Herschel grew up in Salida, Colorado, and graduated Salida High School.  

He met and eventually married Gayle Funk in 1965 and had four beautiful daughters.  Herschel and Gayle later divorced.

Herschel joined the Air National Guard following high school.  His unit was called into service following the Pueblo Incident, where the USS Pueblo was attacked and captured.  Herschel would proceed to serve in country during Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.  He was very proud of his service and the United States.

Herschel spent his career working as a grocer at various locations.  His family owned a wholesale grocery in his youth, and he carried that knowledge and expertise to his future employers throughout his life.

In 1993 he was introduced to his second wife, Judy Schnedler, by a long-time friend, and Herschel and Judy would marry on October 30, 1993.  

Herschel will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and fun loving personality.  He loved being outside, boating, golfing, fishing, or just having a quiet afternoon with Judy bird watching in their garden.  Herschel was also quick to sneak away with one of Tawnia's homemade chocolate chip cookies or a slice of her German chocolate cake.

Community service was important to Herschel.  He had spent most of his life as a member the Shriners, but was also a Mason, obtaining the rank of 32nd Degree Mason, and serving as a Senior Past Master.  In the mid '80's, he was elected to the board of City Council in Breckenridge, Colorado, where he was proud to help his community through a joint leadership position. Herschel also attended First Christian Churches throughout the United States depending on where he was living at the time.

More than anything he loved his family.  He loved his daughters immensely, and they were quick to point out the impact that he had on them.  He instilled a strong work ethic, setting them up for success and heavily shaped their characters and moral compass.  One of Herschel's fondest memories was of his last trip to New York, where he was able to spend time with all of his family.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Judy Funk; daughters, Tawnia (Brad) Funk, Tifani Funk, Robin Funk,  and Rena (Jeff) DeMatteis; step-children, Jeff Winegard and Erin Winegard; grandchildren, Tasha Funk, Brittany (Chad) Funk, Kyle Funk, Ella Sweeney Funk, Simeon DeMatteis, Asher DeMatteis, and Levi DeMatteis; great-grandchildren, Asher Wenzel, Josiah Wenzel, Eli Wenzel, Hunter Wenzel, and Mia Ladato; sisters-in-law, Linda Schnedler and Noreda Schnedler; and long-time friend, Rob Baker.

Herschel is preceded in death by his parents, Herschel and Naomi; sister, Patricia (Bill) Mansheim; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Schnedler, James Schnedler, and Monty Schnedler.

Cremation has been entrusted to Prugh Funeral Service.  A graveside service at Aspen Grove Cemetery will be scheduled for a later date and services will posted at that time.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.

Please continue to keep Herschel's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

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