Marian L Funk

Marian Lucille Sedlak was born on July 17, 1937, in Bellwood, Nebraska, where she grew up with her eight siblings. Her family later moved to Omaha, where she graduated from Omaha South High School in 1955.

While working at Sargent Nick’s Restaurant, Marian met Airman James B. F. Funk. They fell in love and were married on July 16, 1955. Soon afterward, Jim’s career in the Air Force began a lifetime of family, travel, and adventure for Marian. Along with their five children, Jim and Marian were stationed in England, Ohio, Italy, and Hawaii before eventually retiring in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Marian’s love of travel began during those years and continued throughout her life. She once said that Jim had “turned her into a gypsy,” and she embraced that spirit, traveling for as long as she could. After retirement, Marian and Jim visited Alaska, Russia, the Panama Canal, countries throughout Europe, Australia, and destinations across the United States. Their adventures included river cruises, ocean cruises, RV trips, and many other journeys that created treasured memories.

Jim and Marian had always planned to retire in Florida, and Marian carried out that dream after Jim passed away. She lived there for 17 years, continuing to travel in their RV and joining SMART, the Special Military Active Retired Travel Club. Through SMART, she traveled throughout the United States and made many more memories with her military friends.

In 2021, Marian returned to Bellevue, Nebraska, where she spent her remaining years surrounded by family, friends, and the memories of a life filled with love, adventure, and travel. Her greatest joy was the family she and Jim built, and her adventurous spirit carried her through a lifetime of experiences shared with those she loved.

Marian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James B. F. Funk; daughters, Cindi Hendricks and Linda Funk; granddaughter, Kelly Funk; great-grandson, Hayen Kopiasz; brothers, Alvin Sedlak and Norman Sedlak; and sisters, Marcy Vogt, Maxine Rye, Marlene Deacy, and Mary Lou Aguilar.

She is survived by her sons, Jim Funk (Cheryl), Tim Funk (Sue), and Jeff Funk (Teri); grandchildren, Clint Hendricks, Eric Kopiasz, Caroline Wells, Kyle Funk, Michele Lux, and Heather Grave; and great-grandchildren, Austin Hendricks, Cole Hendricks, Bradley Kopiasz, John Wells, Scarlett Wells, Henry Wells, William Wells, Ryder Lux, Kai Lux, Reign Lux, and Mads Grave. Brother: Ed Sedlack(Nancy) and sister, Melvene Vanis and close family and friends