Decorated World War II hero dies at 86
Monday, March 17, 2008 By Teresa Taylor Williamsand Susan Harrison Wolffis
susanharrison@muskegonchronicle.com
MUSKEGON -- World War II veteran Edward Funk was a humble hero.
He rescued a baby from a war-torn area in Japan, feeding and keeping the child with his troops for two days until they could get it to safety at a hospital.
He'd thrown himself on a "potato masher" grenade, which sent shards of metal into his body but averted danger from his platoon. And even when offered medical attention, he refused because he felt others in his unit were more in need.
He told The Chronicle in a 1999 interview: "It was just our job."
Funk, of Muskegon, died Friday at the Poppen Hospice Residence in Fruitport Township. He was 86.
For his Army service in World War II, he secured 11 medals, including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second-highest military award in the United States.
He received little media attention -- and no public accolades -- after the war for his heroism, but in 1999, Funk was singled out by the U.S. Army for service described as "distinguished."
Funk put it in slightly plainer terms.
"We did what we had to do when we had to do it," he told The Chronicle.
After his discharge in 1945, Funk returned to Muskegon with his wife, Gail Funk. The couple owned Auto Body Clinic and also Shoreline Service, which he sold in 1985.
As humble as he was about his war record, Funk knew the value of gathering with his former comrades in arms after the war. He was instrumental in forming the 96th Infantry Division veterans' association.
"He knew it was important to talk about (the war) rather than keeping it inside," said his son, William Funk of Muskegon.
Daughter Phyllis Riley of Laingsburg said her father enjoyed reuniting with the men with whom he served.
Ed Funk and his son worked together for 20 years at the younger Funk's shop, Shoreline Service Bait and Tackle in Lakeside.
"He liked seeing the guys ... and I liked him being here. I'm going to miss everything about him," William Funk said.
Funk is survived by his wife, Gail, of Muskegon; daughters Riley and Kathleen Brown of Dayton, Ohio; sons Clifford Funk of Belding and William Funk of Muskegon; 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, where Funk was head usher for years. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday with full military honors and a 21-gun salute.
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