Helen A. Funck

Helen A. Funck

GALLUPVILLE — Helen A. Funck, a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was active in her Gallupville church and community.

She died peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, Dec. 22, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam. She was 99.

Helen was born March 8, 1925 in Gallupville, a daughter of Hiram and Frances (née Hilts) Becker.  She graduated with high honors from Schoharie High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. 

“Shortly after graduating,” her family wrote in a tribute, “she was employed at General Electric Company in Schenectady in the payroll department until she married the love of her life, John.”

She married John Funck on Nov. 15, 1947, and their union lasted more than 64 years until his death on Aug. 10, 2012.

“Helen was a lifelong resident of the town of Wright,” her family wrote, “and a devoted member of the Gallupville United Methodist Church where she was active as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. 

“She was also a member of the Gallupville Fire Department Auxiliary and the Gallupville Senior Citizens.

“Helen loved to work outside in her vegetable and flower gardens along with feeding the birds.

“She volunteered at the Hospice of Schenectady and will be remembered for her famous cinnamon buns.

“She and her husband John enjoyed spending time in Fort Myers, Florida in their retirement years.”

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Helen A. Funck is survived by her children, Linda Zimmer of Berne who had been married to the late George Zimmer, Richard Funck and his wife, Barb, of Margaretville, and Gary Funck and his wife, Kim, of Hoosick Falls, New York; two granddaughters, Kimberly Zimmer-Tanner and her husband, Bob, and Sierra Funck; and five grandsons, Christopher Zimmer and his wife, Kim, Brent Zimmer and his wife, Eileen, Ryan Funck, Greg Funck and his wife, Alyse, and Adam Funck.

She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Averill, Gaige, Quinn, and Sloan Zimmer, Harper, Madelyn, Emerson, and Kenedy Funck along with several nieces and nephews.

Three sisters — Ruth Sturm, Hilda Funk, and Alice Thornton-Colby — died before her.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, at the Gallupville United Methodist Church on Church Street in Gallupville.  There will be no calling hours.  Burial will be later in the Gallupville Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gallupville United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 33, Gallupville, NY 12073.

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