Helen Funk, 81 of Rockford, died Sunday, December 20, 2009 in her home. Born March 20, 1928 in Smith Dale, Mississippi, daughter of Franklin and Floris (Arnold) Hardin. Married her loving husband Charles L. Funk on April 13, 1956, he preceded her in death in 2004. Helen worked for 22 years at Western Electric and AT & T as a lines woman and heavy frame equipment installer. She was the first woman in IL to do that job and there were only 4 total. She retired from her duties in 1985 and went on to work 13 years at Wal-Mart on Riverside/Alpine. A member of Alpine Lutheran Church and a devoted giver to the Rock River Valley Blood Center, giving over five gallons of blood in her life time and was also a breast cancer survivor. Helen enjoyed crocheting, gardening, playing with her pets, feeling the summer breeze and most of all she was a huge fan of her grandchildren, supporting and attending their various extracurricular activities. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion they gave to Helen. Survivors include her children, Martin Glenn (Mary) Funk of Davis Junction, John Charles (Kathy) Funk of Bloomington, MN., Nancy Louise Funk of Rockford, Thomas F. (Cathy) Funk of Monroe Center; step daughter, Nora (Dan) Friel of Rockton; grandchildren, Todd Funk, Samantha (Pat) Cicogna, Tobias Macphee, Lucas, Wren and Alana Keturi, Sunhi and Naomi Ryan, Karen (Jeremy) Colie, Megan and Sandra Funk, 6 great grandchildren and brother-in-law, Lloyd Funk. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles; 5 brothers and 1 sister. Funeral service Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Dr. Richard Meier, of Alpine Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation Saturday from 9:30 until time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials in her name to: Rock River Valley Blood Center 419 North Sixth Street, Rockford, IL 61107 or Alzheimers Association 4777 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108-2273.
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