Janice Funk

Janice Lee Funk (Darrow), 94, a longtime resident of rural Griswold, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa. Janice was born on November 29, 1931, to Irma Darrow (Parker) and Howard Darrow.

She graduated from Atlantic High School in 1949. Following graduation, Janice worked as a secretary for the Jones, Cambridge & Carl Law Office for two years, a role she truly enjoyed.
Janice married Merle Funk on May 13, 1951, in Atlantic, Iowa. In 1968, they purchased the H.L. Netz farm from the Netz estate. There, they built their life together and raised their four children. Janice and Merle were long-time members of Noble Center Methodist Church, which remained an important part of their lives until its closing in 2018.

Farm life kept Janice busy. She took great pride in tending her large garden and preserving its harvest. She cared for her family through everyday acts of love, preparing meals, delivering lunch to the field, and baking cookies. These simple moments became cherished memories for her children and grandchildren.

She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found joy in the family she helped raise. Janice will be remembered for her strength, her spunky spirit, and the way she showed her love through the care she gave to her family each day. Her legacy lives on through the traditions she created.

She is survived by her children JoBeth (George) Forst of LaVista, Nebraska. Mark (Diane) Funk, Steve (Amy) Funk, all of Griswold, Iowa; five grandchildren, Alicia Huntington, Clayton Funk, Spencer Funk, Brian Funk, and Laura Funk; and four great-grandchildren, Gracie and Gavin Funk, Henry Funk, and Isabel Huntington.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband Merle; her son Gregory "Festes"; her parents; and siblings Ruby Nelson, Donald Darrow, Joyce Funk, and Leo (Butch) Darrow.

Public visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 09, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, with Pastor Jessica Jacobsen officiating the service. A luncheon will follow in the funeral home's reception room. Burial will take place at Noble Center Cemetery just south of Lyman, IA, following the lunch.

Memorials may be directed to the Funk Family and will be designated at a later date in her memory. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Home, P.O. 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is entrusted with the arrangements.