its out there...

Its out there, its really out there... my Grandfather said so.

My Grandfather, Jack Funk, went to his heavenly home on Sunday night shortly before midnight. For the past 8 months he has battled pancreatic cancer, something we all prayed he would beat, but knew it was almost impossible.

Last Thursday Ava and I made a quick trip down to see my Grandfather, and I'm so glad we did. He desperately wanted to see Ava, and I would have done anything to make him happy. In his final days my Grandfather told us many things, and honestly, we believed maybe he was hallucinating...that is until it all began to click. He knew we wouldn't understand, but he told us anyway of the things he was seeing, and even at one point he believed he had died... and he may have, or God may have just come to him while he slept. Either way, my Grandfather saw Heaven. And even though he was weak, could barely speak, and definitely couldn't walk very far, he wanted to drive downtown and talk with people and tell them that Heaven is really out there!

I've always believed Heaven was out there somewhere, and that I'd never really know until my time came... but this past week, I got confirmation. I truly believe my Grandfather saw pieces of Heaven, and I can't explain the joy that fills my soul to know that some day I will be there too.

His obituary:

John F. "Jack" Funk, 75, of Philippi, went to his eternal home on April 5, 2009.

Jack was born in Jane Lew, a son of the late John and Kate Funk.

Surviving are his wife, Judi; one son, Fred Funk, and wife, Amy, of Bridgeport; two daughters, Linda Long and husband, J.D., of Philippi, and Susan Armstrong and husband, Orton, of Vienna; one brother, Jim Funk of Clarksburg; and one sister, Judy Mossburg and husband, Don, of Knoxville, Tenn. Jack was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Sarah Funk Berry Ann and husband, Nathan; Danielle, Jack and Andrew Funk; Amanda, Chelsea and Shelley Long, Erin and Morgan Armstrong and one great-grandchild, Ava Reese Berry Ann. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Chad Armstrong and sister-in-law, Dorothea Funk. Jack was very close to his family including his nieces and nephews and many cousins

Jack graduated from Jane Lew High School, Alderson-Broaddus College and West Virginia University. He served in the U.S. Army in San Francisco, Calif. He served as recreation director of Wicomico County in Salisbury, Md., for four years. He taught and coached at Alderson-Broaddus College for 32 years. He was a member of the Philippi Baptist Church where he served on many boards over the years. He was a member of the Philippi Kiwanis Club where he has served as president and vice president. Jack was active in many activities in town and was happiest when he was involved with the young people. His presence was always noted at athletic activities at the college and in town.

At his request he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in Wilcox Chapel on the Alderson-Broaddus College campus at 2 p.m. on May 3, 2009.

In lieu of flowers, Jack would be happy for donations to be made to the Coach Jack Funk Battler Room in the Alderson-Broaddus Coliseum, which will offer academic support to athletes, the Jack Funk Scholarship at AldersonBroaddus College or to Mountain Hospice in Barbour County who made his journey home so much easier.