Gail Guenther Funk, 73, of Belford, passed away March 8, 2023. Gail was born Aug. 2, 1949, in Jersey City. She was raised in Jersey City where she graduated from The Academy of Sacred Heart and attended The New Jersey City University. Gail and her husband, Frederick H. Funk Jr., settled in Belford to raise their family and lived there for 45 years.
Gail had a master’s degree in primary education and was a preschool teacher at Rumson Country Day School for 24 years. After retiring, she went on to substitute teach in the Freehold, Long Branch and Keansburg school districts. Gail was also a health and safety instructor for the American Red Cross, swim coach at the Red Bank YMCA, and taught private swim lessons in her spare time. She was a member of both Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Keyport and King of Kings Lutheran Church, Middletown, where she was a member of the choir and school committee.
Gail was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Frederick H. Funk Jr., in 2015, her parents, Clifford and Kathleen Guenther, and her brother Paul Guenther. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn “Katy” Funk of Sarasota, Florida, and her sister Kathi Guenther of Monroe, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family to whom she opened her heart and home when in need.
A memorial gathering will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. March 24 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. March 25 at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 250 Harmony Road, Middletown. The repass will immediately follow in the church hall.
The article originally appeared in the March 16 – 22, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
