Virginia Annette Frankiewich
Virginia Annette (Funk) Frankiewich made her final journey to heaven from Porterville, CA on October 4, 2021, at the age of 89. She was born May 13, 1932 in Coalinga, California, was raised in Avenal, California and met the love of her life while attending high school there. They began their married life in Avenal, then moved to Ohio where Bob was stationed during the Korean War. Their first three children were born in Ohio, then two more children arrived after their return to Avenal. They later moved to Barstow, and then to Merced where they lived for 40 years. When Bob retired (Virginia never retired from being mother and caretaker) they were able to spend more time with family, including aging parents and growing grandchildren. Their final move came early in 2007, when they sold the family home and relocated to Porterville. They immediately made new friends, became active in their new church home, and enjoyed spending time with their family.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, T. A. “Tom” and Jessie Funk, her brother John Anton Funk, and her sisters
Janet Funk Lee and Kathy Funk Thompson. Left to cherish her memory are her children Rebecca Frankiewich, Steven (Leslie) Frankiewich, David (Teri) Frankiewich, Timothy Frankiewich, and Sharon (Jeff) Secor, 10 grandchildren (with 8 grand-spouses), 18 great-grandchildren and youngest sister Carol Funk Gentzler. Also left cherishing her memory are many extended family members and a large community of friends.
Virginia found her identity as a wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and homemaker while at times working in various jobs, including serving as the librarian and a teacher at Merced Christian School and giving piano lessons to anyone who would sit long enough to learn. She served faithfully in her church everywhere she lived, playing the piano, singing alto in the choir, teaching children’s church and serving on the Missions Board. She and Bob hosted visiting missionaries in their home, and faithfully supported many missionaries around the world. They hosted four Brazilian exchange students and she became the American mother to another Brazilian, Roseni, who completed her college education in California. She was able to visit all of her Brazilian “kids” and their families during two trips she and Bob made to Brazil.
Virginia supported all of Bob's hobbies and participated by holding model airplanes and letting them go for him, or riding on the back of the motorcycle for thousands of miles, but she still made time for her own interests which included music, playing the piano, sewing (when younger), hand crafts, "stamping" cards for everyone, and making a personalized pillow case for any major event. An avid reader with a constantly changing library, she never hesitated to lend a book to anyone who would enjoy reading it. Her home was always open for visitors, and travelers from around the world benefited from her and Bob generously providing a place to eat and stay.
A private interment will be held at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship at https:// www.cefonline.com or at PO BOU 348, Warrenton, MO 63383.
To sign Virginia’s online register book or leave a message of condolence please visit www.portervillefuneral.com. For additional information contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center: 765 W. Henderson Avenue Porterville, CA 93257.