Irmalee "Lee" Funk

Lee lived a fulfilled life. Born to Norwegian wheat farmers, Severt Skolness (Skalnes) and Olga Selina Bakke, on land located west of Valley City, ND, Lee grew up embracing the goodness and the abundance of this earth while attending a one-room schoolhouse located on the edge of her family’s property. As the youngest member of her family, she lived a charmed life and was instilled with the value of an education. Finding her way to North Dakota State University, she earned a teaching degree in Home Economics. She quickly secured her first teaching position in Watford City, ND, where she also excelled as the women’s basketball coach and theatre director. She was swept away by her Marine war hero, Robert E. ‘Bob’ Funk, marrying and navigating life together with him for the next sixty-three years until his passing in 2010.

In retirement, Lee took great pleasure in quilting for and with friends. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed each ‘Broadway Season’ at The Smith Center. She is survived by her three children, Deborah (Tom) Sullivan, Dick (Martha), and Dave (Jan); two granddaughters, Molly Sullivan and Lizzy (Robert) Ragno; and three great-grandchildren, Isabella Sullivan French and Tessa and Teddy Ragno. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; infant daughter, Barbara Lynn; parents, Olga and Severt; sister, Marjorie; and brothers, Alvin and Ames.

Lee will be remembered for her dedication to her family. She excelled as a talented bridge partner; as Grandmother of The Year, an honor bestowed upon her by the First United Methodist Church; as a master gardener securing a First Place honor for her Gladiolus at the Montana State Fair; as an extraordinary baker; as a consummate hostess; and as an entrepreneur bringing LeBeau Creations to life as she designed and tailored exquisite creations while her husband painted his, uniquely Montanan, and highly acclaimed water colors. While on a Montana stream, she caught more fish than anyone else and loved dogs. Lee was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church and a loyal advocate of educational opportunities for women while a 74-year member of P.E.O.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to P.E.O. Chapter AH % Lois Holter, 400 Deer Dr, Great Falls, MT 59404; the First United Methodist Church; or a charity of one’s choice. Cremation has taken place. There will be no services at Lee’s request.