Kenneth William Funk

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Scientist, Servant of Christ, and Community Leader

June 10, 1945 – May 28, 2025

Dr. Kenneth W. Funk, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, respected scientist, Navy veteran, creation advocate, and cherished family man, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior in Bonita Springs, Florida on May 28, 2025, at the age of 79.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, on June 10, 1945, his life’s path was forever shaped on July 2, 1957, when he made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ during a Billy Graham Crusade at Madison Square Garden—a moment that began a lifetime of unwavering faith and service to the Lord.

Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry (with a minor in zoology) from Houghton College and also studied at Moody Bible Institute. He began his doctoral studies in organic chemistry at Case Western Reserve University in 1967 under the mentorship of renowned professor Miklos Bodanzsky, focusing on amino acid and peptide chemistry. His graduate work was paused from 1969 to 1972 during his honorable service as a Naval Officer during the Vietnam War, stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed his PhD in chemistry in 1974.

Ken spent 28 years as a peptide chemist at Abbott Laboratories, contributing to the advancement of pharmaceutical science, most notably in the development of Lupron, a treatment widely used for prostate cancer and hormone-related conditions. His career included twelve publications, three U.S. patents, nine patent disclosures, and a book chapter.

His deep conviction in the authority of God’s Word led him to serve as a Board Member the Midwest Creation Fellowship (MCF) and Director of the MCF North chapter. His engaging presentations and writings, including the popular article and presentation “Is God Left-Handed?” blended scientific depth with clear biblical insight, always drawing others toward the Creator.

Locally, Ken served as a church elder and Chairman of the Lakes Commission in Lindenhurst, Illinois, and enjoyed fishing, nature photography, and model railroading.

Ken is survived by his wife of 55 years, Constance “Connie” Elizabeth Dunlap Funk; his daughter, Deborah (Joseph) Weiss; and his grandchildren, Andrew and Lauren Weiss. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Doug Dunlap and his wife Billie, as well as his nephew, Dr. Christopher Dunlap. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Herman W. Funk and Grace D. Zehnder Funk.

A visitation for Ken will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Marsh Funeral Home (305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL) from 9:00am until 10:30am. Funeral services will follow the visitation at the funeral home at 10:30am. Immediately following the service will be the burial at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Midwest Creation Fellowship.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

—Galatians 2:20