Rev Ronald Ray Funke SJ

Fr. Ron Funke, SJ, died March 21, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA. He was 83. Teacher, hospital chaplain, parish priest, and sacramental minister, Ron’s upbeat approach and deep commitment to service have made him a treasured presence in many lives.

Ron was born on April 7, 1933, in Orofino, Idaho, to Elma Wilma (Allenspauch) and Carl Bernard Funke. He was raised with his older sister, Jeanette Alene (Funke) Morgan, in Lewiston, Idaho where Ron attended St. Stanislaus grade school and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1951.

Ron entered the Society of Jesus in 1953 and was ordained in 1968. He has celebrated over 63 years in the Society and found it very joyful, exciting and eventful. Ron studied at Seattle University, Seattle, WA, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, Santa Clara University, CA, Heythrop College, London, England and earned degrees in Philosophy, English Literature and Theology.

He developed his love of teaching and taught at Gonzaga Prep, Spokane, WA, Jesuit High School, Portland, OR, Seattle Prep, Seattle, WA and Eastside Catholic High, Bellevue, WA. In between teaching assignments he also served as a Chaplain at various hospitals including Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, St. Mary’s Hospital, Walla Walla, WA and Sacred Heart Hospital, Eugene, OR.

During his early training he was assigned to work in the Vatican in Rome and in Germany microfilming rare theological books. He then worked and explored Europe in the summers, learning various languages, photographing architecture, and visiting stately homes that he used for teaching and various lectures. He was known for sharing his summer diaries and slide shows with family and friends.

He filled the years since his retirement in 1996 by celebrating the Eucharist at St. Barbara Parish in Black Diamond, WA and at various health-care facilities; he also led funeral and graveside services at several cemeteries in the Seattle area. Over the years he provided counseling, inspirational homilies and assistance in many ministries.

He lived over 25 years in Seattle and enjoyed going to the theater and symphony concerts with friends, walking his dog and gardening. He moved back to Spokane, WA, in 2015 and assisted with English classes at Gonzaga until he just recently moved to Los Gatos, CA.

He was always full of life and energy. His laughter and friendship will be deeply missed by his many friends, family, former students, colleagues, parishioners, and brother priests. Fr. Funke is survived by his sister, Jeanette Morgan and her husband Richard, in Lewiston, ID, and several nieces, nephew, and their children.

A vigil service will be held on Friday, April 7, at 7:00 pm in the Jesuit House Chapel, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 8, at the Jesuit House Chapel with inurnment immediately following at Mt. St. Michaels Cemetery. There will be a reception at the Regis Community (on the Gonzaga campus) at the conclusion of these rites.

Memorial contributions in honor of Fr. Funke may be sent to the following: Senior Jesuit Fund, Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 86010, Portland, OR, 97286; All Saints Catholic School Foundation, 641 5th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501; or the charity of the donor’s choice.