Larry Dean Funk was born October 13, 1934, near Wolf Point, Montana, to George and Lydia (Schultes) Funk. He was the third of three children born to the family. He went to be with the Lord on December 4, 2008 In Montana, Larry had begun farming, when in January of 1957 he decided to come to Wasco, California to work on his cousin's farm for the winter. That winter turned into nearly 52 years of residing in the Wasco-Shafter area. He married Shirley Classen on June 14, 1957 and shared a wonderful marriage of over 51 years. He began work at San Joaquin Tractor in 1959 working in the parts department and later moved into sales and store manager of the Wasco store. He retired from paid work after 43 years, and began 8 years of active work in his retirement. He enjoyed the time he was able to spend bicycling, traveling, working in the yard and around the house and being actively involved in church. He was a charter member of the Wasco Mennonite Brethren Church-Wasco Bible Church. After moving to Shafter in 1991 he joined the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church and was a deacon, greeter, men's Bible study leader, and AWANA youth leader. Larry and Shirley had two children, Kendall and Cheryl. Larry is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children Kendall Funk and wife Lori of Bakersfield, and Cheryl Miller and husband Seth of Boring Oregon; grandchildren, James Funk, Elizabeth Funk, Nathan Miller and Eli Miller. He is also survived by a sister, Gladys Fast and family of Lustre, Montana; brother, Dale Funk and family of Helena, Montana; numerous other relatives and many dear friends. All that know him will remember his as a gentle, compassionate man that never was a stranger with new people for long. In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to North Kern Christian School, 710 Peters Street, Wasco, CA 93280. A graveside service will be held Monday, December 8, 2002 at 2pm at Shafter Memorial Park followed by a memorial service at 3pm at Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. Pastor Pat Coyle will officiate the services. Visitations will be held Sunday from 2pm to 8pm and Monday from 9am to 1pm.