Phyllis Marie Funk

Jesus called His beloved daughter, Phyllis Marie Funk (née Trinke), home on Monday, January 5, 2026, as she completed her earthly struggles at the age of 74. Her beloved husband, William (Bill) James Funk, was by her side as she took her final breaths and was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord.

Phyllis was predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Yvonne Trinke and Pamela Funk and her brothers-in-law, Jake Reimer and Daniel Sproule. 

She leaves to mourn her passing her devoted husband Bill; her son Jonathan (Angela) Funk; her daughter Charlene (Peter) Harder; and her eight cherished grandchildren: Daniel (Dylan) Funk, Ashley (Jordan) Ramitt, Hailey (Daniel) Nickel, Evan Funk, Joseph Harder, Caleb Harder, Joshua Harder, and Charis Harder, as well as her great-grandson Jordan Ramitt Junior. She is also survived by her brother John Trinke, her sisters Margorie Dozios and Beatrice Reimer, along with several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Phyllis was born on January 13, 1951, in Winkler, Manitoba, to John and Margaret Trinke (née: Born). She grew up on a farm near Winkler, where she learned the value of hard work at an early age—driving tractors and trucks long before she was licensed to drive on the road. At the age of 15, she met her future husband in junior high school, and what began as “puppy love” blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Phyllis and Bill were married on July 1, 1972.

In late November 1974, Bill and Phyllis moved with their newborn twins, Jonathan and Charlene, to the remote northern community of Inuvik, Northwest Territories, where she learned the true meaning of winter. After a brief interlude in Williams Lake, British Columbia, the family returned to southern Manitoba in the spring of 1985 to be close to their roots.

Phyllis had a deep love for music and, after moving back to Steinbach, became actively involved in the church worship team and music ministry. She also expressed her artistic gifts through quilting, generously donating many of her quilts as part of a women’s organization that supports people in need. Bill and Phyllis also formed a loving and meaningful relationship with a family in Africa: Ann Nganga and her children, Purity, Tony, and Joan, whom they cherished as their adopted daughter and grandchildren. This generous spirit and love for others flowed from a vibrant faith, rooted in a Christian upbringing and a sincere desire to seek Truth in the Scriptures. Throughout her life, Phyllis yearned for a closer walk with Jesus, as earthly desires steadily lost their appeal.

Several Scripture passages held special meaning for her, including Matthew 16:24-27, which calls believers to take up their cross and deny themselves; 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which teaches gratitude in all circumstances; and Ephesians 5:20, which encourages giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Phyllis sought to live out these truths, especially as her cancer progressed.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many family members and friends who faithfully encouraged and prayed for Phyllis, as well as to the compassionate medical staff at CancerCare Manitoba in Steinbach.

A memorial service for Phyllis Funk will be held at Southland Church on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. 

A private interment of ashes will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Christian charity of choice