KLEMME BOOK

Gary George Funkhouser

1936 - 2025


Gary George Funkhouser February 13, 1936 - July 21, 2025 Gary Funkhouser lived a life defined by service—to his family, to his community, and to the cause of education. A gifted educator, musician, and leader, Gary’s unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of others left an indelible mark on every place he called home. He often said, “Service to others is the rent we pay in life.” His life was the embodiment of that belief. Born on February 13, 1936, at the family home in Shenandoah, Iowa, to George and Mary (Johnston) Funkhouser, Gary’s talents emerged early. At just five years old, he directed his kindergarten band in a program at the Shenandoah Armory. A family move to Maryville, Missouri set the stage for his future in music and education. As a seventh grader, he composed a march that was performed by the high school concert band—a prelude to a lifelong passion for music. After graduating from Maryville High School in 1954, Gary attended Northwest Missouri State College, supporting himself by working in the meat department of the local Safeway store. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1958 and began teaching music in 1957 in Gravity, Iowa. He went on to complete a master’s degree in music education at the University of Northern Colorado in 1960 and an administration endorsement in 1964. In 1959, Gary met the love of his life, Julia (Julie) Thompson, at a Wesley Foundation event in Maryville. They were married in 1961 and began their life together in College Springs, Iowa, where Gary served as Band Director and later High School Principal. Together, they raised three children—Mark, Kirk, and Jennifer—with the same values of service and integrity that guided Gary’s life. In 1967, the family moved to Oakland, Iowa, where Gary became Director of Bands for Oakland Community Schools. Over 12 years, he introduced more than 400 students to instrumental music. His concerts in the early years often ended with the dance band playing polkas as parents joined in, celebrating community through music. His largest bands boasted nearly 100 members. Gary also helped found the Oakland Community Band and was recognized as Outstanding Young Educator by the Oakland Jaycees in 1969. Gary's leadership helped lay the groundwork for what would eventually become the Riverside Community School District. In 1978, he and his Carson-Macedonia counterpart co-led a joint music concert with Oakland, foreshadowing the possibilities of collaboration between the neighboring districts-an event that memorably featured the theme from a motion picture that opened the same year and became quite popular: Star Wars. As it turned out, Gary was honored for his service to both districts with induction into the Riverside Hall of Fame 44 years later. Gary’s dedication extended beyond the classroom. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the Lions Club, and Phi Delta Kappa. He pursued further studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha, earning an Educational Specialist degree in 1978. That same year, Gary became Superintendent in Klemme, Iowa, where he also was very involved with the Klemme Area Development Organization and the United Church of Christ. After two years, he returned to southwest Iowa as Superintendent of Carson-Macedonia Schools. His community involvement continued with leadership roles in the Grist Mill Fine Arts Council, Carson Business Club, and music ensembles like Carson’s Old Timers’ Band. The family were active members of the First Congregational Church in Oakland. Gary was asked to serve as a shared Superintendent with Carson-Macedonia and Oakland from 1988-1990. In 1991, Gary joined the Iowa Department of Education as a School Consultant before serving as Superintendent of Whiting Community Schools and in another shared Superintendency with Whiting and Oakland from 1992-1993. Even in later years, Gary remained deeply connected to his work. In 1998, he retired from Whiting briefly (as in one month) before accepting the Superintendency at Treynor Community Schools. The Funkhousers moved to a very welcoming Treynor community in 2001, and Gary led the district until his retirement in 2003. He later served three terms on the Treynor School Board, overseeing key projects such as a new school addition, football field and track complex. He also advised the school’s Quiz Bowl teams and Junior Optimists. One of his most cherished moments was directing the high school band at a concert on his birthday in 2014. In every town he served, Gary immersed himself in civic life. In Treynor, he became a devoted member of the Optimist Club, where he was twice honored as Optimist of the Year for his tireless efforts at the group’s “Kan Kennel” fundraiser. He led and sang in the Zion Congregational Church choir and directed the Treynor Community Chorus during the annual Treynor Days. Gary’s leadership extended across Iowa. He served as Chairman of the Area Education Agency 13 Superintendents, sat on the Iowa Department of Public Instruction Advisory Council, the Iowa School Finance Board, the Governor’s Round Table for Education, and was an Ambassador for Iowa Western Community College. While a board member, he co-founded a scholarship through the Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation with Julie in 2014, awarded annually to a deserving student. He also authored educational papers published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. In spring 2024, Gary was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Thanks to modern treatments and his own fierce determination, he fought the illness with grace until June 2025, when he made the courageous decision to enter hospice care, surrounded by the love of his family. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Funkhouser, and his beloved grandson, Joseph Gary Nystrom. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Julie; their children: Mark Funkhouser of Omaha, Nebraska; Kirk Funkhouser of Austin, Texas; and Jennifer (Martin) Nystrom of Mebane, North Carolina; grandchildren: Hannah (David) Warren and Grace Nystrom of Mebane, NC; Luke (Caitlin) Nystrom and their sons Eliot and Wilder of Toronto, Canada. He is also remembered by extended family, cherished friends, and countless former students, colleagues, and community members who were inspired by his wisdom, humor, and heart. Gary Funkhouser lived his life with purpose and compassion. Through music, education, and service, he shaped generations. His legacy is not only in the schools and communities he helped build—but in the lives he made better along the way. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made out to the Joseph Nystrom Working Student Scholarship Fund, (https://www.joeworkingstudent.com), Zion Congregational Church, or directed to the family. A celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Treynor High School Auditorium. Visitation with the family will follow the service until 5:00 PM. Interment will be at a later date. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements. Celebration of Life Memorial: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 2:00 PM, Treynor High School Auditorium, 102 E Main St, Treynor, IA 51575 Visitation with the Family: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Treynor High School, 102 E Main St, Treynor, IA 51575