Greg “Festes” Funk, 68, of Lyman, Iowa, died Thursday, December 24, 2020, at his home.
Gregory Merle Funk was born on February 7, 1952, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Merle Orville and Janice Lee (Darrow) Funk. His help on the farm started at a young age; even though at times early on his help may not have been much help at all. Janice was quick to tell of the time they were moving cattle when he was four years old and he started honking the horn, needless to say, the cattle scattered and Merle wasn’t thrilled with his help that day. After school he would come home and enjoy a PB&J sandwich before heading out to help around the farm, always a hard worker. Festes participated in football in high school and graduated from Griswold High School in 1970. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard and received his basic training at Fort Ord, California.
Festes was self-employed as a carpenter and roofer in addition to working for local farmers as a hired man. He took great pride in being a Beekeeper and the honey he sold. Festes shared his knowledge locally and also to fellow beekeepers in Florida and Texas.
He enjoyed playing dominos, pool, and horseshoes; occasionally signing up for a local horseshoe tournament. Festes was your typical farm kid who liked to be outdoors fishing and hunting. In addition to his beekeeping, he was also known for his expansive garden. He grew anything you could think of from asparagus to melons to berries to various vegetables; if he could get it to grow, he would plant it. Festes looked forward to Saturday nights when Chicken and Fish were served at the Hayloft in Grant. He was often seen wearing a welder’s hat and suspenders and was never one to shy away from telling you it was his way or no way, possibly a bit stubborn.
Festes is survived by his mother, Janice Funk of Griswold; sister, Jo Beth (George) Forst of La Vista, NE; brothers, Mark (Diane) Funk and Steve (Amy) Funk, all of Griswold; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Merle Funk.
A private family memorial graveside service will be held at Noble Center Cemetery, south of Lyman.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Festes’ family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com
