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Obituary for Thomas H. Funne
Thomas Harvey Funne, "Mr. Funne," died peacefully in his home on Sunday, December 11, 2016 in Frederic, WI at the age of 87.
Tom was born on June 3, 1929 in Luck, WI to Dr. C.H. and Rose Funne. He graduated from Luck, WI High School in 1947. After high school, Tom joined the Wisconsin National Guard. He served for nine years where he became First Sergeant with the 128th Infantry Regiment. Tom began his education at Dunwoody Institute for training in telegraphy and worked as a telegrapher for the railroad in Oil City Pennsylvania. He then graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a Degree in Education and completed an additional degree at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in Physical Education.
Tom married Joan Hagen in 1950. After moving to Minong, WI Tom began teaching 7th and 8th grade. After two years in Minong, Tom continued his teaching and coaching career in Frederic, WI for 33 years. Tom was a dedicated member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church and a charter member of the Frederic Lions Club (40 years). Both Tom and Joan were honored as Frederic Citizens of the Year in 2013 for their committed service to the Frederic Community.
Tom was talented at golf, basketball, football, dance and playing the drums and trombone. Tom's greatest passion was golf. He was instrumental in the planning and development of the Frederic Golf Course, where he served as the superintendent, developed the youth golf program, spent countless hours giving adult golf lessons, and of course played hundreds of rounds with his family and friends. Tom was a very accomplished golfer. He thrived playing in competitive tournaments where his family traveled along with him for many weekends around Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Tom was a modest, generous, witty, dedicated individual who loved life. Tom was a caring coach, teacher and father-like figure to many. Teaching and mentoring kids was Tom's passion, and his students are forever grateful for his mentorship. Tom's children remember him as a compassionate, kind, patient and driven father who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Tom is survived by his wife, Joan Funne; children, Vicki Funne Reed (Mark, Casey, Jena, Jennifer) of Augusta, WI, Thomas C. Funne of Wisconsin Dells, WI, Heidi Funne Shah (Rajin, Sydney, Garrett) of White Bear Lake, MN, Heather Behnke (Ron, Taylor, Trenton) of Sun Prairie, WI.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. C.H. and Rose Funne and sisters, Patricia Morgan and Laola Cody.
A funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17th at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic, WI. There will be a visitation preceding the service at 10:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pilgrim Lutheran Church at P.O. Box 127, 507 Wisconsin Avenue North, Frederic, WI 54837.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Adoray Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care of our dear husband and father.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic (715-327-4475) and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, www.wicremationcenter.com (715-825-5550).
