Mr. Charles Funk, retired agricultural education teacher

Mr. Charles Funk, retired agricultural education teacher

written by guest blogger, Erin Larson

The average Minnesota FFA member attends two state FFA conventions during their time in FFA. Charles Funk has attended 53 state FFA conventions -- consecutively.

Charles Funk, a retired agricultural educator, grew up in Sebeka where he attended school and got involved with the FFA chapter. At the age of 16, Charles was planning to quit school. That fall, he attended the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

“At the time, National FFA had a quota on the number of students that were able to attend,” said Charles. “It was either the 10 percent of membership or six students, whichever was greater.”

Charles’ friend, Tom, who later became Minnesota FFA State President, encouraged him to go to the National FFA Convention.

Charles said, at first he couldn’t put his experience into words.

“It was undoubtedly the best students who attended convention because of the quota restriction,” said Charles.

Charles graduated with an agricultural education degree from the University of Minnesota in 1971. His teaching experiences span from 1970 to 2011.

“I taught at Motley High School, before they merged with Staples for 16 years,” said Charles. “After Staples, I taught at Sebeka for 20 years.”

Following his time at Sebeka, Charles taught an independent class for five years at the Menahga High School.

“I was teaching when many of these [current] ag teachers were students,” said Charles . “As they’ve grown up, we’ve become co-equals. It adds a competitive side to it, too.

Charles has witnessed the transformation of state convention and Minnesota FFA over the years.

“I’m an FFA junkie,” said Charles.

From solely being on the St. Paul campus to expanding to the Minneapolis side, Charles navigates through the University of Minnesota every April.

“[Minnesota FFA] has more students involved, resulting in a need to expand beyond the St. Paul campus,” said Charles. “There was usually a catered banquet to the awards ceremony. The general sessions were in the gymnasium, and the talent show was in the North Star Ballroom.”

The growth excites Charles. There are more opportunities for students to be involved with proficiencies, Career Development Events and leadership workshops.

“Because of FFA, I went from a kid who was going to quit school to a life-long learner,” said Charles..

Through his involvement in FFA and service, Charles received the Honorary American FFA Degree. He was awarded the degree when the first female National FFA President, Jan Eberly, served.

Although Charles is retired, he still remains involved and connected with the local FFA chapters. This past year, Charles helped with the Staples-Motley FFA Chapter officer interviews. He played a role to nominate the Sebeka school superintendent to serve on the Minnesota FFA Association adult board.

Charles is married to Cheryl Funk and father to Edric, Aaron, Sarah, Stephen, Maria and Paul. Edric and Stephen served as Minnesota state FFA officers. His son-in-law, Miles was awarded the Stars Over America in Ag Placement when he was a member. Stephen and Maria are agricultural education teachers in Mountain Lake and Menahga, respectively.