James Funte
JAMES M. FUNTE, age 78, of Greenwood, WI, passed away at Clark County Rehab & Living Center in Owen, WI, on Saturday, March 22, 2025. A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held at the Greenwood American Legion on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 12pm to 4pm.
Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Popejoy, Iowa at a later date. James Marcus Funte was born on August 10, 1946 in Omaha, NE, the son of Clarence and Esther W. (Starr) Funte.
As a young child, Jim grew up on a farm in the Clear Lake, Iowa area with his mother, step-father, and older brother, Donald. In 1959, they moved to a farm south of Greenwood, WI.
They attended Trinity Lutheran Church, where Jim was confirmed, and he attended Eaton Center School and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1965.
Jim was then inducted into the U.S. Army on May 5, 1966 and served during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on May 4, 1972. He returned to Greenwood and went to work for Barr Animal Foods.
Jim was united in marriage to Alice K. Denk on August 8, 1970 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwood. They later divorced. He then drove semi-truck most of his life, driving for Marten Transport, Wuethrich Transportation, and Phillips Industry.
After retiring from driving, Jim purchased and operated "Funtes House of Knowledge" in Greenwood for many years. He was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Post #238, and had several interests, but really enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.
Jim is survived by "his girls": Amy (Matt) Sladich and their daughters, Brooklyn and Lexi, and Kayla Gadke and her daughter, Jaidyn Marshall; his niece, Jennie Baker; four nephews: Tim, Todd, Trent and Troy Funte; many great and great-great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Willard Kline; and two brothers: Donald and Robert in infancy. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
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