Aug. 23, 1940 - Aug. 6, 2004
Zelda Funk was born August 23, 1940 in Flin Flon, Manitoba to Ed and Madge Funk. She started school at Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan then to a one-room country school call Star Centre. They travelled by horse and buggy or often stayed with friends during the week. She then moved on to the Queen Elizabeth School in Dinsmore. She graduated from the Dinsmore High School. Zelda always enjoyed school and was a hard worker who always did her homework.
After her school years, she took a job as a dental assistant in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, which she did until her Prince Charming came into her life. That, of course, was Ray Wilson from Milden, Saskatchewan. Anyone who knew Zelda knew she was impeccably honest. She came home from town one day and announced to her mom, “I saw the man I’m going to marry today.” Her Mom said, “Oh really, and what is his name?” “Ray Wilson,” she said.
Ray and Zelda were married on December 9, 1961. It wasn’t long when their first son Dean was born and Zelda became a stay at home mom while Ray worked for the municipality as an equipment operator. In 1965, their second son Blair was born then along came Susan in 1969 followed by Randy’s birth in 1970.
During this time, Ray’s Mom and Dad had moved out to B.C., first to Burnaby then on to Burns Lake where Ray’s Aunt Carol and Dan Rosler lived. In 1973, Ray’s Dad had written a letter and said, “This Burns Lake country can’t go any further backwards so it has to go ahead. It’s a good place to come to and make a good living and has a nice climate and friendly people. After much thought and, of course, some negative suggestions from Zelda’s dad Ed who was against them moving, Ray and Zelda decided to make the move. They packed up their four kids and headed for Burns Lake.
The move from Saskatchewan to Burns Lake was very hard on Zelda and she was especially afraid of the mountains. She would close her eyes over every bridge and slide down on the seat to avoid looking out the window. Once Blair said, “Look Mom, Mount Robson!” and from under the dash she replied, “Oh my God.”
They hadn’t been in Burns Lake very long when they say the opportunity to go into the backhoe business. Ray and Zelda were partners as she would take the booking for work and did the accounting. They were very successful and never looked back.
They moved to their present home in the mid 1970’s and raised their family on their rural acreage.
For everyone who knew Zelda understands that it was quite an experience to visit the Wilson home. No matter what time of day, or what day of the week, out would come a spread. The famous “Zelda buns”, cookies, and at least one cake or more, and always a pie or two. The coffeepot was always on. . .what hospitality.
Zelda was so excited when she became a grandmother. If one sat back and watched, you could say she was the definition of what a Grandmother should be. She had 11 grandchildren and cherished each one of them.
Tragedy struck the family when Ray passed away suddenly on May 14, 1997. Zelda carried on with the business along with the help of her family for a few years and then, unofficially, retired.
She had a full time job looking after her flowers, as it was one of her favourite hobbies. Zelda loved to bake many delicious treats. During the Christmas season she would fill trays with her goodies and pass them on to friends. She was prepared to keep on baking as she had around 20 bags of flour and 20 sacks of sugar in the pantry and enough coffee for at least a year. The deep freezes are full so her theory that “You can’t just drive 10 miles to town so you have to have things on hand as you never know who’s coming to eat” remains true.
Another of Zelda’s favourite past times were card nights with the girls. Sharon, Jeannie, Chris, Elva, Gay, Michelle and Janet and any others I may have missed would gather at least once a week at Zelda’s. Zelda’s absence will definitely be felt by you gals.
It is always sad when a person is taken from us. Zelda found out she had cancer only a few short months ago. She passed away just two weeks before her 64th birthday. She was predeceased by her father Ed Funk on July 13, 1983 and her loving husband Ray on May 14, 1997.
She is survived by her mother, Madge Funk. Her brother Fred and his family. Sister Adena and family and numerous other relatives. Her son Dean and wife Janet. Her son Blair and wife Barb. Her daughter Susan and husband Trent. Her son Randy and wife Carren.
She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Shelby, Jordy, Trevor, Kyle, Lorne, Ryan, Shawn, Tyler, Alan, Avery and Marlee.
Zelda was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother to her family, but to the rest of us she was a real good friend. You are now back with Ray and may you rest in peace.