Susan M. Funfsinn

MANKATO – Mankato resident Susan M. (Jones) Funfsinn, age 79, died April 9, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, MN, surrounded by members of her loving family.

Memorial Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m., June 16, 2025, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 105 N. 5th St., Mankato. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.  Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

I am writing my own obituary, this way I will have the last word, haha. I was born May 23, 1945, to Leslie T. and Eleanor A. (Friedrichs) Jones in Mankato and was the fifth of fifteen children. Baptized, received First Holy Communion, Confirmed, and married at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Graduated from St. Clair High School in 1963.

I married Dennis Funfsinn on December 9, 1963, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato and continued to live in the area. Was an employee of MCTC/HickoryTech from 1963 until retirement in 2002. During my years of employment, I was a telephone operator, final billings clerk, customer service representative, and union steward for I.B.E.W. Local 949. Shortly after my retirement, I enjoyed volunteering in many areas at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato. In 2003 I attended the Lay Formation classes through the Diocese of Winona, graduating in 2006 as a Commissioned Bereavement Minister. Throughout my remaining years, I used these skills whenever the occasion arose, to help others who were grieving. Eventually I returned to Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where my initial spiritual journey began through the Sacraments.

My last quest was the game of golf! I was Co-Chairman of the Terrace View Ladies League for 4 years. Never truly mastered the game but enjoyed the challenge.

I was diagnosed with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (fungus in the lungs) from breathing in spores from the dust of dead trees and bark that we harvested for supplemental heat. Also, was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (Fibrosis) from burning the wood in our home throughout the 70’s & 80’s. Over the years the fungus continued to grow in my lungs, not knowing it was there. I have read that 2 or 3 people out of 100,000 can get this in their lungs. Once the diagnosis was made, the damage was already done.

I am survived by my three sisters: Joan, Rose (Tony), and Lucy; seven brothers: Les, Jr. (Maddi), Dennis (Pam), John, David, Tom, Sam (Patricia), and Patrick; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; brother-in-law, Roger Funfsinn; sister-in- law, Donna Funfsinn.

I was preceded in death by my husband, Dennis; my father and mother, Leslie and Eleanor Jones; brother, Eugene; three sisters, Mary, Laura, and Julie; niece, Bobbi Kuball; sisters-in-law, Susan Jones and Jane Funfsinn; father and mother-in-law: Joseph and Audrey Funfsinn; nephew, infant John Funfsinn.

Prefer Mass intentions for Susan or donations to Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato.

Family and friends are invited to gather for lunch in Jesuit Hall following the service.

I want to thank the Mayo Clinic Health System and Pallative Care for their loving care to me.