Obituary for Verna Funke

Verna L. Funke died peacefully at home under the care of Iowa Hospice from an age related heart condition on Friday, November 19, 2010, and is now in the mercy and loving care of our Heavenly Father. At her request she will be cremated by Iowa Cremation. Family and friends are invited at the Eagles Club, 112 E. 3rd Street, Tama on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until service time. Verna was born in Clutier, Iowa on August 16, 1923, to Oren and Erna (Wiese) Scott. She attended the Clutier school until seventh grade and graduated from Gladbrook High School with the Class of 1941. Verna and Morris R. (Mort) Danner were united in marriage in June 1942. They lived in Asbury Park, NJ while he was stationed there in the Army. She returned to Tama while Mort served overseas in WWII. A son, Craig Scott Danner was born to this union in November, 1944. Verna and Mort later divorced. Verna and LuVerne R. Funke were married in December 1959. Daughter, Lee Anne was born in June 1961. Verna worked for several businesses in Tama and Toledo, including Gus’s, the Bee Hive, Spahn and Rose Lumber, Central Iowa Telephone Co. Billing Office, Farm Bureau, Twin City Ford and Dick’s Restaurant. Verna was a 66 year member of the Tama American Legion Auxiliary, having served as Unit President in 1956. Verna joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) as a Charter member of Tama-Toledo Auxiliary, No. 2828 in July, 1952. She served as her Auxiliary’s First Chaplain, as Madam President in 1955-56 and all other offices including a three year term as Madam Secretary. In 1955, Verna became an officer of the Iowa State Auxiliary, serving as State President in 1960-61. She served many outstanding years as Membership Chairman of Iowa. In Boston, MA, in 1972, Verna joined the Grand (International) Auxiliary and was elected Grand Madam President, 1976-77, in Miami Beach, FL during the 25th Annual Grand Auxiliary Convention. She traveled extensively serving her order. Verna loved to sing and shared her love of music with her Eagle friends. After returning to Tama in 1977, Verna acknowledged her love of cooking and opened Mother’s Kitchen in downtown Tama. In 1984, Verna moved to Denver, CO to work for the F.O.E. Membership Department, later moving to Columbus, OH where she was Supervisor of F.O.E. Auxiliaries and Assistant to the Grand Madam President. She continued traveling for the Grand Auxiliary, visiting all 49 continental states and Canada. In 2001, Verna retired and returned to Iowa, making her home in Toledo. She continued her service tot eh local F.O.E. Auxiliary until her death. Loved ones who preceded her in death are her parents, husband LuVerne (1983), and a sister in infancy. Those left to honor her memory are her son, Craig (Ann) Danner of Marshalltown; daughter, Lee Anne (Ross) Rosenquist of Greeley, CO; grandchildren, Scott and Nathan Danner of Marshalltown and Lindsey, Michael and Laura Rosenquist of Greeley, CO; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Jeannene Rank of Tama; and Shirley (Bill) Duffy of Bull Shoals, AR; special niece, Kelli McCreary and several other nieces and nephews. Also her loyal companion, Tye (the cat). If Verna met a person as she walked down the street or when shopping at the mall her face automatically broke into a smile. Verna was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. She knew no strangers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Verna Funke Scholarship Fund or F.O.E. Diabetes Research Center, C/O Cindy Balsanek, Iowa State F.O.E. Secretary, 1804 I Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404. Please specify: Verna Funke Scholarship Fund or F.O.E. Diabetes Research Center.