Gary Louis Funke passed away on April 22, 2026, in Lincoln, NE at the age of 84.

A funeral was at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 28, at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Washington with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Father David Metz officiated.

Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery, Washington, KS

Born on June 12, 1941, in Odell, Nebraska, to Louis and Nettie (Godden) Funke, Gary lived his life to the fullest. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and well-respected with his friends and neighbors.

After graduating from Washington High School in 1959, Gary enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Forrestal from 1959-1962. He married Mary K. Dolezilek in 1969 and moved back to his hometown of Washington, Kansas. He ran Gary’s Electric for many years until he was hired as the Electrician for Endicott Clay (Fairbury, Nebraska) in 1980 until his retirement in 2003.

Gary and wife, Mary K., spent their winter months in Arizona from 2008-2021. They made Washington their full-time residence as of April 2021. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Gary was particularly proud of his family. His surviving family includes his wife, Mary K.; his son, Michael Deger and daughter-in-law Kitra Deger; his daughters, Staci Schmidt and son-in-law Jamie Schmidt, Misty Reynolds; grandsons, Merrick Deger, Kreyton (Stacie) Deger and Cormik Reynolds; granddaughters, Korenn Deger, Camryn Reynolds, Makayla Schmidt, Shayne Schmidt and Hanna Schmidt; and his great-granddaughter, Adilade Deger. He is also survived by siblings, Phyllis Sweetland, Robert Funke and Debra Wohlers.

Gary was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Cass Reynolds; brother Loren Funke; sister Glenda Tegethoff; and his parents, Louis and Nettie Funke.

Memorial Contributions can be given to St. Jude’s or the Helping Hands Humane Society. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington, KS.