Waldo Otto Funk

After a courageous 12-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Wally passed away Friday, January 9, just 2 days short of his 86th birthday.

He leaves behind his caring wife of over 61 years- Marjorie- and his 2 devoted daughters - Diane Dennis (Lowell) and Brenda Lalchun (Dean) - and 4 grandchildren in order: Dustin Pich (Simone), Sara Dennis-Westphal (Shane and baby great-granddaughter Mica), Jessica Pich (Gurjas) and Paul Dennis, plus 2 special great nephews Tyler and Troy; his siblings John, Mary, Vic.  He was predeceased by his parents John and Sara Funk, siblings Elenore, Frieda, Edd and niece Cindy. Wally will be greatly missed by extended family and friends and to all who knew him!

Wally was born and raised in the Kildonan’s’ area and lived in Transcona for over 60 years except for a year and half in Victoria, BC. He was very active in his church at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and in the Transcona community by helping with elections and playing/coaching hockey. He was known as the “Snow Angel” on Whitehall Blvd for cleaning the neighbours’ sidewalks or driveways.

Wally worked all his life in various jobs in the automotive and construction and transportation industries (RDF, CN, Loewen and Sons Autobody, Harris Holdings, Canada Motors/Messenger) and in the vending machine business with Pepsi in Winnipeg and Coke in Victoria. He loved to drive and travel. He was always cruising somewhere to visit someone or check something out. He liked to camp and fish. Chipping Bay at Birds Hill Park was the spot to find the family on weekends during their “camping” years. During the Covid years, he was busy “scootering” around Transcona with late friend Abe Hiebert.

When Wally wasn’t working or cruising, he loved to tinker and to build things in his workshops and always tried to fix things in his own way! (Big Smile) Wally restored a 1950 Ford Coupe in 1987- ‘88. He loved watching NHL hockey, Wrestling and Football. Wally loved visiting with people all the time - in person, phone/text and email. In the last year, Wally relied on FaceTime to communicate with family daily.

In his later years, Wally and Marj would “winter” in Yuma, Arizona and they really enjoyed visiting people and participating in many activities! Another special trip was to Quebec to visit dear friends John and Gina Klassen.

Wally survived 2 heart attacks and many various accidents in his lifetime, but he was heroic in his PD battle. He had a calm acceptance, a positive attitude and a strong will to live. The family thanks all the homecare and healthcare workers in all fields and various hospitals over the years (and recently in past 3 weeks); to all those good Samaritans who helped pick him up off the ground; to those who visited and called him when he was a shut-in at home/hospital/care home the past couple years. The family wishes to thank the staff at Maples and Donwood for their excellent and compassionate care.

Wally had a strong Christian faith and planned most of his funeral service a long time ago. He has been cremated. A spring memorial service is being planned at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Transcona. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Donwood Personal Care Home (171 Donwood Dr), Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (401 Kildare Ave) or Parkinson’s Foundation.

To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go. You have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy we had so many years. I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown. But now it’s time I travelled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I wont be far, for life goes on.  So if you need me, call and I will hear. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near, and if you listen to your heart, you’ll hear all my love around you, soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and say

“Welcome Home” 

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