Gary Funkhouser, was born on February 13, 1936, at the family home in Shenandoah, Iowa, to George and Mary (Johnston) Funkhouser. He died July 21, 2025, in Council Bluffs, IA, at the age of 89 years.
After graduating from Maryville High School in 1954, Gary attended Northwest Missouri State College. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1958 and began teaching music in 1957 in Gravity, Iowa. He went on to complete a master’s degree in music education at the University of Northern Colorado in 1960 and an administration endorsement in 1964.
In 1959, Gary met the love of his life, Julia (Julie) Thompson, at a Wesley Foundation event in Maryville. They were married in 1961.
In 1991, Gary joined the Iowa Department of Education as a School Audit Consultant before serving as Superintendent of Whiting Community Schools. Even in later years, Gary remained deeply connected to his work. In 1998, he retired—briefly (as in one month)—before accepting the Superintendency at Treynor Community Schools. The Funkhousers moved to a very welcoming Treynor community in 2001, and Gary led the district until his retirement in 2003. He later served three terms on the Treynor School Board, overseeing key milestones such as construction of a new school wing and the development of a relocated football field and track. He also advised the school’s Quiz Bowl teams and Junior Optimists. One of his most cherished moments was directing the high school band at a concert on his birthday in 2014.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Funkhouser, and his beloved grandson, Joseph Gary Nystrom. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Julie; their children: Mark Funkhouser of Omaha, Nebraska; Kirk Funkhouser of Austin, Texas; and Jennifer Nystrom (Martin) of Mebane, North Carolina; grandchildren: Hannah (David) Warren and Grace Nystrom of Mebane, NC; Luke (Caitlin) Nystrom and their sons Eliot and Wilder of Toronto, Canada. He is also remembered by extended family, cherished friends, and countless former students, colleagues, and community members who were inspired by his wisdom, humor, and heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made out to the Joseph Nystrom Scholarship Fund, (https://www.joeworkingstudent.com) Zion Congregational Church, or directed to the family.
A celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Treynor High School Auditorium. Visitation with the family will follow the service until 5:00 PM. Interment will be at a later date.
Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements.
