He attended public schools and assisted his family in managing its large holdings.

Funk was named to the Illinois Board of Agricultural and served in this role for twenty years, including time as its president.

[1] Funk followed his father's political convictions and was a member of the Republican Party.

Funk was named a trustee of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1891 and served for two years.

[2] In 1898, he was named Supervisor of Funk's Grove Township and held the position for twelve years.