CAROLINE ENGLAND FUNK
Caroline England Funk, 95, passed away on June 23 in Liberty, Missouri following a short illness. She is succeeded by two children, Charles (Connie) Funk of Iowa City, Iowa and Gretchen (John) Crossett of Liberty, Missouri as well as six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles C. and Mabel England, her stepmother, Lois Schlatter, her husband, Leo, and sisters Mary Ellen, Katherine, and Martha Ann and brother, Charles, Jr.
Caroline was born July 22, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a graduate of Festus High School and a 1952 graduate of Lindenwood College with a degree in Music Education. Shortly after graduation, she married Leo Funk and they were married 56 years until his death in 2011. They were true partners in all that they did, from raising a family, to traveling together, to running the family business.
After a year living in Saint Charles, Missouri, Carrie and Leo moved to Lancaster, Missouri in 1952, where Leo began his career in banking and Carrie and Leo eventually purchased the Schuyler County State Bank in 1973. Carrie was a multi-talented person as she helped raise two children, was a fabulous cook, worked at the bank when needed, always tended to a big garden and took an active role in the local church, including 27 years as the choir director. Carrie was a proud 75 year member of P.E.O. and rarely missed meetings while serving in many roles. She served one term on the Board of Regents of Northeast Missouri State University and was a long time board member of the Schuyler County Nursing Home.
Carrie and Leo retired in 1983, and in 1985 moved to Columbia, Missouri where they lived active lives, playing golf, participating in church activities, traveling and attending Missouri Tiger sports events. They also reveled in following the athletic and academic exploits of their six grandchildren and logged many miles traveling to various events. Carrie was a passionate St. Louis Cardinal fan, attending her first Cardinal game in 1942 and her final one in 2021! She continued to use her beautiful alto voice in the church choir until her late 80s. Following Leo’s passing in 2011, Carrie continued to live in Columbia until moving to Liberty, Missouri in 2022.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church in Festus, officiated by Dr. Rev. Tish Green, with graveside services at the Presbyterian/ Methodist Cemetery in Festus to follow, where she will be buried next to Leo. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Truman State University Foundation, Cottey College Cottey Fund, or Columbia United Methodist Church Music Fund.
