Donovan Funke

Greene

M. Donovan “Don” Funke, 96, formerly of Greene, died Friday, May 9, 2025, at a Velva nursing home.

He was born June 12, 1928, in Greene, to Richard and Tillie (Larson) Funke. He attended school in Greene and Grassland, then graduated from Tolley High School. His first job out of high school was with the railroad.

Don was united in marriage to Laura Carstens on Nov. 10, 1949 in Underwood. Some adjoining land next to the family farm became available and Don bought it. He started farming and raising cattle alongside with his dad. Laura and Don lived in a house east of Greene when first married, then built their forever home in Greene next to Don’s parents, raising four children.

Don loved being outside enjoying all the things that came with nature. He loved any form of hunting: geese, ducks and venison were always in the freezer. Fishing was a huge part of his free time fun, going down to the lake shore and casting in a line. Many jars of pickled fish could be found in the refrigerator. During the later spring, you would find him bringing Laura tubs of juneberries that he had picked for pies. And then in late summer, he would find the wild plum trees and enjoy a handful of plums.

Don enjoyed getting together with neighbors who would drop by for a cup of coffee. Winters were a good time to get together for a game of “Risk” and other card games. Don enjoyed shooting pool with his buddies. On weekends, you’d find Don and Laura enjoying music and dancing at Mouse River Park. Don’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a big part of his life.

The purchase of the land in Greene not only provided them with farming and ranching, but gravel started to be mined there. Many paving contracts and etc. involved the use of gravel from the “Funke Gravel Pit.” During springs, when the water was high, the pit would fill and Don could fish with no snags. Laura and Don moved to assisted living in Minot in January of 2016. For eight years, they enjoyed meeting new friends and taking life a little easier. Don lost the love of his life, Laura, on July 4, 2024.

Family: children, Sally (David) Foelschow, St. Charles, Ill., Janie (Kent) Gunderson, East Grand Forks, Minn., Danny (Landi) Funke, Minot, and Kimberly Gilseth, Ocala, Fla.; eight grandchildren, two step grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donovan was preceded in death by: his parents, Richard and Tillie Funke; wife, Laura Funke; and brother, Doyle Funke.

Funeral: 10 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2024, at Brose Funeral Home, Mohall.

Burial: Grano Cemetery, Grano.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com

(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 14, 2025.