David Anton Funston

David Anton Funston, 77, Bismarck, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020 in Goodyear, AZ.

David Anton Funston was born July, 17, 1942, the son of Neal and Gertrude (Ness) Funston. He was the sixth of eight siblings raised near Sterling, ND. He attended Bismarck High and enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years. After being honorably discharged he returned home to help on the family farm. He met and married Sharon Nelson in 1964 and together the family grew to include three children: Michael (Cindi), Bismarck, Kimberly Funston Repnow, Mooresville, NC, and Cyndi (Maynard) Zueger, Pick City, ND.

In 1965, David joined the Iron Workers Local 793 - serving North Dakota, South Dakota and parts of Montana and Minnesota. At that time, North Dakota did not offer apprentice training. His first job was as a permit hand, building the American Crystal Sugar facility, in Drayton, ND. He and Sharon moved their young family to Eveleth, MN, where he worked for American Bridge in the taconite plants of the Iron Range. During his first assignment, he so impressed the company with his knowledge and skills that he was sent to Texas for more training. There, he studied, tested and become a card-carrying member of Local 510, of Corpus Christi.

David now was known as a "boomer" he continued work on the Iron Range until Local 512 of Minneapolis needed help erecting structural steel buildings. By this time, David had recruited his younger brother, Clifton; his brother-in-law, Gary Nelson and cousin David Ness to work alongside of him. Living in Minneapolis was enjoyable. Many times, David and his family would spend time with other relatives in the Cities. His sisters, Jean and Marie, lived in the area and frequent get-togethers would include pinochle, barbecues and fondue.

Employment with the Iron Workers provided David many opportunities all over the Midwest. He was even called upon to lend his hand in the building of the Sears Tower in Chicago. But he loved North Dakota and it wasn't long before he moved back. Once settled again in Bismarck, his job took him to the power plants of North Dakota, where he worked in Beulah, Underwood, Stanton and Center. Before, during and even after retirement, his skills as a permit hand were respected and needed by the Boilermakers Local 647 and also the Insulators Local 133. He was a proud and active member of the union. He was elected President of the Iron Workers Local 793 in 1979 and served until 1983. After his term, he often could be found at the Capitol lobbying for fair and safe working conditions for all working men and women. David was also elected to the North Dakota Building and Construction Trades Council in 1981 and served as its president until 1994, when he chose not to seek re-election. He continued to serve on the Council as executive director until December 1996.

David didn't always work. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and riding all-terrain vehicles. He was active in politics serving as a delegate to several state and national Democratic conventions. He was a member of the AmVets in Bismarck. And he also was the one to initiate many reunions to keep family far and wide close and connected.

In 1987 David married Bonnie (Krom) Wolf, and his family expanded to include Lezlie (Mike) Kleingartner, Mandan, and Steven (Jamie) Wolf, Goodyear, AZ. They also served as foster parents for five years.

Expanding along with his new family were his hobbies. Over the years, David and Bonnie enjoyed the company of horses and all they entailed. Together, they contributed to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs by providing Horse Play N More, a therapeutic riding program they operated with Bonnie's sister, Kathy Retterath and her daughter, Brooke. When the grandkids starting coming, David and Bonnie happily spoiled them with horseback riding, four wheeling and all the fun activities only a farm could offer.

For the past three years, David and Bonnie have wintered in the horse-loving community of Wickenburg, AZ. Together they enjoyed watching rodeos, steer roping, meeting new friends and bonding over their love of horses.

David is survived by his wife of 33 years, Bonnie; five children; eight grandchildren, Chance Gaylord (Troy Bender), Mandi (Chris) Robertson, Kasey (Jared) Opalewski, Ryan (Cassie) and Shannon Zueger, Landon Kleingartner, Dillon and Logan Wolf; eight great-grandchildren: Tayler, Jacob, Jack, Max Robertson, and Destinee, Devin, Drew and Colin Steidler; brothers Lt. Col (ret.) Neal Lloyd (Patricia) Funston, Jr., Orlando, FL, Clifton (Clara), and Stanley, all of Bismarck; and sister Marie (Dale) Saunders, Appleton, WI.

Also surviving is David's mother-in-law, Susie Krom, Cando, ND; sisters-in-law Kathy (Terry) Retterath, Warwick, ND, and Arlie Bredeston, Bakersfield, CA; brothers-in-law, Donnie (Ellen) Krom, Larimore, ND, Rocky (Donna) Krom, Bismarck, Stacy Krom, Cando, and Vernon "Tom" Weidmeier, Augusta, GA; as well as many special nieces, nephews including Torrey and Travis Krom, and many foster children.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jean "Jeannie" Schossow and Shirley Weidmeier; brother, Merle; father-in-law, Cyril Krom; and brother-in-law, Dr. George Schossow.