Charles Dennis Funk

Charles Dennis Funk of Smithfield passed away due to causes incident to age, on August 26, 2013, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 31 at 1:00 p.m. at the LDS chapel located at 625 East 600 South, Smithfield. Friends may call at the Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North in Logan, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the chapel in Smithfield. Dennis was born in Logan, Utah on August 12, 1929 to Walter Angus Funk and Sarah Loila Reese Funk. He grew up on the family farm in Benson as the youngest of five children. His two brothers, Rex and Norman, preceded him in death, and he is survived by his sisters, Viva Burrie of Malad, Idaho and Loila Anderson of Logan. On August 20, 1951, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Jean Chambers of Smithfield, in the Logan Utah Temple. They are the parents of nine children: Randy Andrea, Hong Kong; Marianne Buttars Darrell, Layton; Kevin Maree, Kaysville; Craig Stacy, Springboro, Ohio; Kent Susan, Santa Barbara, California; Robert Nancy, Smithfield; Becky Baird Tony, Smithfield; Kristine Smith Mark, Holladay; Lisa Fullmer Troy, Layton. Dennis and Rebecca have 47 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Dennis attended Benson Elementary School, Smithfield Junior High School and North Cache High School. He was a good student and active in student affairs. He obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Dairy Science from Utah State University in 1952, and later received a Master's in Dairy Science and a Ph.D. in Extension Administration from the University of Wisconsin. Dennis lived a life of service to others. Professionally, he was employed by Utah State University. He worked as a county agent in Salt Lake County and Sanpete County. After completing his Ph.D, he was a professor and Associate Dean in the College of Agriculture and the Associate Vice President of Extension. He enjoyed extension service and found satisfaction in helping farmers, young people involved in 4-H projects, and working with his colleagues in delivering the resources of USU throughout the state. After he finished graduate school in 1968 and the family returned to Smithfield, he also operated the family farm in Benson for many years as a hobby and a way to teach his children to work. Always active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dennis served as a missionary in the Central States Mission, as bishop of the Manti North Ward, as first counselor in the Smithfield Stake Presidency, and as patriarch of the Smithfield North, University 4th, and Hyde Park Stakes as well as in many other callings. He and Rebecca served together in the England Leeds Mission in 1993-95 and in the Logan Temple for several years after that. Service in the community was also important to him. He served on both the Smithfield City Council and the Cache County Council. He served as the Chairman of the North Cache District for the Boy Scouts of America and as President of United Way for Cache County and on many other boards and committees. His desire was to help others. Among all of his titles and accomplishments, however, he found his greatest joy in seeing his children and grandchildren grow and do well. As his family, we are grateful for his example and teachings. He has lived a good life and shown the way for others to follow. During the later years of his life, he was cared for primarily by his loving wife and companion, Rebecca, until his final weeks. He was also the recipient of many acts of kindness from neighbors and friends. His family is very grateful to all who have assisted him, including Caring Hearts Assisted Living, Hospice, and Dr. Steven Salisbury.