Obituary of Lydia G. Funke

Lydia E. Funke, 100, of Bickford Cottage, Iowa City died Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Bickford Cottage. Her family will hold private observance at a later time. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting her family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Lydia Elizabeth Gunzenhauser Funke the daughter of John and Elizabeth Geiger Gunzenhauser, was born in Conroy, IA, then moved with her family to Humeston, where she spent her childhood. She attended Parsons College and later the University of Iowa, earning a degree in elementary education. Mrs. Funke taught in Humeston, Clarinda, Fort Dodge and at Longfellow School in Iowa City. In the 1930’s she coached high school girls’ basketball in Humeston and Clarinda. Lydia married Erich Funke, Head of the German Department at the University of Iowa, in 1937. She was active in University and community organizations. She and her husband opened their home to students in the German Department as well as international students and hosted University faculty and visiting professors from around the world. Mrs. Funke was a Girl Scout and Brownie Scout leader, established a German class for children at Longfellow School, and enjoyed the company of friends with whom she played bridge and shared a love of reading. Following the death of her husband in 1974, she made her home at Englewood Beach, Florida. Four years ago she returned to Iowa City, residing at Bickford Cottage Assisted Living, where she thrived under the excellent care and loving attention of the Bickford staff. Mrs. Funke was preceded in death by her husband Erich, her parents, three brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Person of Water Valley, MS and Barbara Faust of Iowa City, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.