One summer, my parents decided that my sisters and I should help set up the stills building at fair. We spent all week at the fair helping with judging and set-up. That was when I met Mrs. Funke. I would avoid her because I was afraid that she might talk to me. Yikes! She was direct and to the point. As an 8-year old I was afraid of her. It took me years to find out that she was actually a really nice person.
Year after year, I would return to the Fair and Mrs. Funke was always in the Stills Building. I don't know how she had the patience to do all of the stills judging and set-up for 30+ years. Most of the current 4-Hers don't know how many still exhibits their used to be. She put in so much time and effort to keep the Stills Building looking good with the kids' exhibits.
She was a Club Leader for El Dorado for years and later formed the Empire Gardens Club. She held those clubs together, she was the glue. The Empire Gardens 4-H club was in a low-income area and she fought to keep that club alive too.
Pat Funke was a dedicated 4-H champion who persevered for decades to keep the program going. I am amazed at everything that she has done. She gave her heart to the 4-H program. Every time I see the Stills building at Fair, I will continue to remember her.