Senator Clarence & Laura Funk Home

Attention

The object that is described in this article is located on private property. Trespassing is punishable by up to six months of prison time. Permission should be granted before passing on private property.

History

Clarence Lorenzo Funk was born April 22, 1872 to Christopher M. and Anna E. Kofoed Funk in Richmond. After the death of Christopher at the age of nine, Clarence was raised mostly by his mother and had Marriner Wood Merrill as a father figure. Clarence married one of Marriner's daughters, Laura Vilate, who was born May 17, 1875 in Richmond.

Clarence was educated in local schools in Richmond, and then graduated from Utah State Agricultural College with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry. Clarence went on to hold many responsibilities such as President of the Benson Stake, Creator of Black & White Days, Mayor of Richmond, and Senator for the 2nd District of Utah. Clarence also built the Funk Farm but lost it due to financial issues during the Great Depression. After the loss of the farm, Clarence and Laura moved in with their son Cyril R. Funk Sr. and wife Hazel Jensen in 1933. After some time, Clarence purchased land and built a small, one-room home with a barn and a chicken coop on State St.

After the deaths of Clarence and Laura in 1945, the home was deeded to their son Cyril Reed Funk Sr. and wife Hazel Marie Jensen for many years before selling it to their son Clarence John Funk and wife Joan H. In 1995, the home was sold to the current homeowners who continue to care for and preserve its history.