Biographical Sketch

Peter S. Funk was born on October 21, 1855 (other places the date given is October 10) as the oldest child of Peter Funk (1831-) and Katarina Sawatzky (1835-). In 1875 the family immigrated to the East Reserve in Manitoba. On August 2, 1883 Peter married his first cousin, Maria Ewert, born March 1, 1863 to Johann Ewert (ca. 1835-) and Helena Sawatzky (1842-). Eight children were born to this family. They settled in the Altona area of the West Reserve, and became a part of the new Bergthaler church led by Johann Funk. In addition to his farming, he worked for the Bergthaler Waisenamt for 17 years and was on the board of directors from 1889–1925. He also served for a year as a councillor in the Rural Municipality of Rhineland. Peter Funk died on August 17, 1935, and his wife on February 25, 1949.