Olivia Martha Funk, 99, of Rochester, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Samaritan Bethany on Eighth in Rochester, where she resided the past ten months. She was born March 20, 1925, in Hyde Park Township, Wabasha County, Minnesota to Mathias and Mary Maglena "Lena" (Hofschulte) Kohn. She grew up in the Hammond area and attended the New Hyde Park Township School through the 9th grade.

In 1947 Olivia and her cousin/best friend Anna Marie Butlin (Ryan) set out on an adventure to work on their aunt's ranch in Montana. Two beautiful "ranch hands". Olivia also went to work at the Rainbow Hotel in Great Falls from 1947 – 1968 as a waitress where she met another lifelong friend Eleanor Mares as well as many celebrities that were staying at the hotel performing at the State Fair. Mom and "Auntie" Eleanor took pride in their beautiful afagans they crocheted as well as many crafts, canning and wine making bringing home many blue ribbons from the state fair. Mom was a meticulous seamstress, sewing beautiful clothes for her family, many figure skating costumes (one sequin at a time). Mom loved gardening and she was a great cook. Everyone was welcome, she never met a stranger.

In Great Falls she met the love of her life, Eugene "Gene" Funk who was stationed at Malstrom Air Force Base and married in September 1949. Dad had his private pilot's license, and they enjoyed flying, riding their horses, boating, camping, and fishing in the beautiful mountain streams. Mom also loved trips to the mountains to pick buckets of huckleberries and this is where we picked out the 'perfect' Christmas Tree.

In 1968 Olivia and family moved to rural Zumbro Falls. Mom went to work waitressing at the Sheridan Hotel/Holiday Inn in Rochester where she met yet another best friend, Phyliss Adler. Mom loved to garden, cook, crochet, sew, quilt and enjoyed going to saddle club meetings, horse shows, and motocross events. Mom made many new friends and another "bestie" Shirley Anderson that lived on the neighboring farm. Olivia and Shirley shared so many good times over the years. She never lost touch with her "Montana Family". At the age of 62 mom started work at Mayo Clinic as a dietary assistant in the Clinical Research Center at St. Mary's, she retired 10 years later at 72. And then helped me out in my Real Estate Office for 3 years.

A 'lifelong' Twins fan…she hardly missed a game. She had much love and compassion for animals and leaves behind her beloved cat Henry and many 4-legged grand kids! Great and small she loved them all. When asked how she would describe her life her answer was 'very special"!

Olivia was a member of the Zumbro Falls VFW Auxiliary, former member of St. Clements Catholic Church in Hammond and its women's group. Currently she was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa.

Olivia is survived by her children, Connie (Myron) Lund of Zumbro Falls, and Jim (Peggy) Funk of Rochester; sisters, Alvina Tiedeman of Lake City, and Anna Mae Darcy of Zumbrota. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 5 sisters, Rose, Angela, Laura, Geraldine, and Mary, and 2 brothers, Arnold and Joseph.

We are Blessed to have had such a wonderful mom and best friend in our lives for so many years. She loved her family more than anything. Mom, we love you so much, you will be dearly missed and will forever have a very special place in our hearts. Rest in Peace!

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa with Father Joachim Anumba officiating. A private burial will be in St. Clements Catholic Cemetery in Hammond at a later date. Friends and family may visit from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.