Cortland Alvin Roy Leslie Funke II, 74, Wabasha

Cortland Alvin Roy Leslie Funke II died in his home on July 25, 2018 at the age of 74 after battling lung cancer for more than a year. Cortland, more commonly known as Butch, was born on August 23, 1943 in Wabasha, MN. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Lake City in 1961, Butch entered the United States Navy where he served until 1969. He received medals for his service during the Vietnam War. His port stops in Japan and Hong Kong developed his love of cooking and eating Asian cuisine.
When his ship docked in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada he met the love of his life, Lorna. They married in 1967 in Powell River, and their son, Danny, was born that same year. After living in Canada, California, and Colorado, Butch settled with his family in Wabasha in 1981. For many years, Butch drove truck for Golden Loaf Flour and later for Heat N Glow in Lake City. In his free time, Butch loved gardening, hunting, tinkering in his shop, and trying out new recipes. He loved entertaining his two grandsons with stories, jokes, and games of chess. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his sense of humor and storytelling, and his love of family. He could chat with family and friends for hours over cups of coffee. His life’s motto was “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
He was preceded in death by his wife Lorna, mother Lorraine (Stegemeyer), father Cortland, brother Herman, and sister Dorothy. He is survived by his son Danny (Laura) and grandsons, Owen and Benjamin. He is also survived by his sisters Aleta Thoe (Lake City), Theresa Darling (Denver, CO), and Esther Haley (Prior Lake, MN) and Vanessa Martin (Paulsbo, WA) and their spouses as well as many beloved extended family members and friends.
A celebration of Butch’s life will be held on August 25 from 2-6 pm in Theilman at the Opera House.