Janet Irene Funk, 82

After a long battle with cancer, Janet passed away peacefully at home with her husband at her side. She was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Jerry and Irene Baltzer on June 8, 1943. She had two brothers and two sisters: Walt Baltzer, Jean MacDonald, Don Baltzer and Ruth Baltzer.

After graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1961, she moved to Chicago, Ill., and received her Registered Nursing degree from Cook County School of Nursing. During her career, she specialized in head and neck surgical care, served as a nursing supervisor and, finally, worked as an office nurse for Dr. Robert West.

Janet met Stephen Funk while in Chicago. They married May 29, 1965. Together, they traveled around the country and the world while Steve was in the U.S. Air Force, and raised four children: Kristina, Stephen B, Janelle “Chickie” and David.

The family settled in the Wolf Lodge Creek area in 1972. They lived on a large parcel of timberland, their beloved Edgecreek Tree Farm, and were involved in many local forestry activities. The family farm was ultimately recognized as Idaho Tree Farm of the Year in 2010 and National Tree Farm of the Year in 2011.

Janet was actively involved as a 4-H leader, a coordinator for the student exchange program, Youth for Understanding, and served as a church youth group leader for 17 years. She was a member of the Idaho Forest Owners Association and the American Tree Farm System. She served on several committees for local agencies working to preserve water quality in the area. While hosting educational field days, teacher tours, and opinion leader tours Janet taught attendees about forest health and its direct relationship to water quality. She talked about the aspects and challenges of being a small, private forest landowner. She firmly believed there was a benevolent spirit of wisdom and peace to be found in the woods and devoted much of her life to preserving and nurturing this spirit, as well as sharing her knowledge with many people.

Janet was also an avid master quilter. Her beautiful quilts are truly awe-inspiring. She belonged to the North Idaho Quilters Guild, the Saturday Sewcialables and the Featherweight Social Club. Her quilts were shown at the North Idaho State Fair and at several quilt shows in the area.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents, brother Walt and sister Ruth. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve, with whom she celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past May; children: Kristina; Stephen (wife, Kathleen); Janelle (husband, Jeff); and David (wife, Autumn); grandchildren: Dylan, Jonathan, Matthew, Garrett, Caden and Phoebe; great-grandchild Everett; sister Jean; brother Don; and several nieces and nephews.

Janet lived a long, very full life and accomplished many noteworthy goals. She had great compassion for others, never stopped learning and always looked for the positive wherever she went. Janet will be greatly missed by many.

Please join the family for a Memorial Mass on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., at St. Pius X Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. There will be a reception following the service at the church. A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at Edgecreek Tree Farm this coming summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Idaho Forest Owners Association Educational Foundation (www.ef.org); Anchor House-Idaho Youth Ranch (1609 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814); St. Jude’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105); or your favorite charity.

May Janet’s spirit rest in well-deserved peace.  Amen.

Please visit Janet’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.