Judy Funk (nee Goertzen)

Obituary

Peacefully Judy passed away October 7, 2026 at Health Sciences Centre at the age of 75 years. Judy left her earthly ties and her soul moved to her Heavenly home in response from her heavenly Father who answered her prayers.

Left to mourn her passing are her loving husband Len, her siblings Anne (Henry) Hoeppner, Mary (Ted) Paetkau, Jake, Esther (Larry) Toews, Ernest (Charlotte) Goertzen and in-laws Judy (Larry) Hamm and, Gladys Martens. Judy also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.

Judy was predeceased by her parents Jacob JF and Judith Goertzen, In-Laws Isaac and Helen Funk, brother in-law Garry Martens.

From a young age, Judy recognized the importance of education and often commented on her wish for extended education for those she knew and loved. This thirst for education lead her to become a teacher and she enjoyed all three years teaching before her life time of health issues forced her to stop. After taking a year to regain a better level of health, she returned to outside employment with the Winnipeg Free Press as a copy writer in the classified advertisement department. Following four year in advertising, she took another health break. A lifelong friend passing through mentioned a friend was looking for an administrative assistant and Judy joined Manulife. She enjoyed most of her time in the insurance field, but with continuing declining health a short-term disability leave resulted in becoming long-term. She was never able to return to outside employment. In the late 1980s, with continuing health decline, she took to study numerous health issues. The internet provided access to a wealth of stored knowledge that would have been unobtainable to Judy if restricted to spending time in libraries. At one point, her doctor at the time even suggested a better field of study would have been to become a doctor. That would have allowed her to assist the public, considering the knowledge she had gathered. She would willingly share her knowledge with people she encountered. When her health allowed, she was a great support to other Lupus patients, like herself, sharing her own walk with Lupus. Also, Judy providing information with many sufferers on how to track and manage their personal health concerns; ensuring each patient was able to provide better detailed information to their medical professionals.

Judy lived for the good days and was fortunate to have one of those at a family get together at the lake on Aug 2nd. The following day she suffered a severe stroke which caused extensive damage to her body in multiple ways. Eventually this damage resulted in her passing on Oct 7th. Although her ability to converse was largely lost, her bright radiating smile still gave us, her loving family, a lot of comfort even though her limitations were frustrating for her.

When we met with the doctor to discuss the extreme stroke damage, which would result in earlier death for her, I questioned her understanding. Judy clenched her fists and dramatically thrust her arms heavenward, causing the doctor to comment the response was the most dramatic she had ever witnessed from a patient being advised of imminent death.

We have no questions about where she is now and long to see her again when life ends for those left behind.

Rest in peace my love, we will never forget you and miss you always.

At Judy’s request cremation has taken place and no funeral will be held. An immediate family only service will be held next spring when internment of her urn takes place.