THE LEGACY BEHIND THE MONKEY: A TRIBUTE TO
DR. KEN FUNK
"Before we crown our winner, we have to talk about why this award carries the name it does.
You see, the 'Funky Monkey' isn't just a funny name. It was the actual email address of a man
who was a giant of the faith, a brilliant scientist, and a dear friend of this ministry.
On May 28, 2025, Dr. Kenneth Funk—or 'Dr. Ken' to those who loved him—passed into the
presence of the Lord. He spent his life proving that you don't have to choose between a big brain
and a big heart.
Ken was a true 'Kingdom-Shaker.' Just look at the life he led:
He was a Master of Science: He didn't just 'like' chemistry; he had a Doctorate in
Organic Chemistry. He worked at Abbott Laboratories where he led teams to develop
life-saving medicines for cancer and other illnesses. He understood the building blocks of
life better than almost anyone.
He was a Defender of the Creator: Ken used his massive brain to show that evolution
isn't just unlikely—it’s impossible. He served as a director of the Midwest Creation
Fellowship, helping us all see the fingerprints of God in every atom of the universe.
He was a Fisher of Men: Whether he was serving as an officer at Naval Station Great
Lakes or out on the water with a fishing pole, Ken’s real passion was 'fishing' for people.
He wanted everyone to know the Jesus he served.
For over 18 years, Ken and his wife, Miss Connie, were the kind of friends you dream of having.
He was a man of logic, a man of laughter, and a man who loved the next generation—that’s you.
When we call this award the 'Funky Monkey,' we are honoring a man who proved that you can
be a world-class scientist and a humble servant of God at the same time. We gave this award its
name because we want Ken’s love for the Lord to live on through your hands and your hearts.
So, when you see this monkey, don't just think of a toy. Think of Dr. Ken Funk. Think of a man
who loved the truth, loved the Word, and loved you before he even met you."
Stay Bold,
Carl Kerby
DR. KEN FUNK
"Before we crown our winner, we have to talk about why this award carries the name it does.
You see, the 'Funky Monkey' isn't just a funny name. It was the actual email address of a man
who was a giant of the faith, a brilliant scientist, and a dear friend of this ministry.
On May 28, 2025, Dr. Kenneth Funk—or 'Dr. Ken' to those who loved him—passed into the
presence of the Lord. He spent his life proving that you don't have to choose between a big brain
and a big heart.
Ken was a true 'Kingdom-Shaker.' Just look at the life he led:
He was a Master of Science: He didn't just 'like' chemistry; he had a Doctorate in
Organic Chemistry. He worked at Abbott Laboratories where he led teams to develop
life-saving medicines for cancer and other illnesses. He understood the building blocks of
life better than almost anyone.
He was a Defender of the Creator: Ken used his massive brain to show that evolution
isn't just unlikely—it’s impossible. He served as a director of the Midwest Creation
Fellowship, helping us all see the fingerprints of God in every atom of the universe.
He was a Fisher of Men: Whether he was serving as an officer at Naval Station Great
Lakes or out on the water with a fishing pole, Ken’s real passion was 'fishing' for people.
He wanted everyone to know the Jesus he served.
For over 18 years, Ken and his wife, Miss Connie, were the kind of friends you dream of having.
He was a man of logic, a man of laughter, and a man who loved the next generation—that’s you.
When we call this award the 'Funky Monkey,' we are honoring a man who proved that you can
be a world-class scientist and a humble servant of God at the same time. We gave this award its
name because we want Ken’s love for the Lord to live on through your hands and your hearts.
So, when you see this monkey, don't just think of a toy. Think of Dr. Ken Funk. Think of a man
who loved the truth, loved the Word, and loved you before he even met you."
Stay Bold,
Carl Kerby
All of us at Reasons for Hope and the EQUIP Retreat would like to offer a truly special (and very enthusiastic!) shoutout to the wonderfully talented Miss Viktoriia!
When we first began dreaming about creating this award, we knew we wanted it to be something deeply heartfelt—something meaningful that would carry real love behind it. And almost immediately, our minds went to Miss Viktoriia.
Years ago, Miss Viktoriia gave Masami and me a handmade gift we still treasure: our beloved “Sleepy Sheep.” We’ve kept it all these years, and we still absolutely adore it. That sweet gift has been a lasting reminder of her care, creativity, and the warmth she pours into everything she makes.
So when the time came to design this award, we asked if she would help—and what she created went far beyond anything we could have imagined. She didn’t just assist… she elevated the entire vision. We are truly blessed by her artistry and grateful for the heart she poured into this project.
And in classic Miss Viktoriia fashion—humble and generous—she asked that if you love what she’s doing, you would consider supporting Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child.
When we first began dreaming about creating this award, we knew we wanted it to be something deeply heartfelt—something meaningful that would carry real love behind it. And almost immediately, our minds went to Miss Viktoriia.
Years ago, Miss Viktoriia gave Masami and me a handmade gift we still treasure: our beloved “Sleepy Sheep.” We’ve kept it all these years, and we still absolutely adore it. That sweet gift has been a lasting reminder of her care, creativity, and the warmth she pours into everything she makes.
So when the time came to design this award, we asked if she would help—and what she created went far beyond anything we could have imagined. She didn’t just assist… she elevated the entire vision. We are truly blessed by her artistry and grateful for the heart she poured into this project.
And in classic Miss Viktoriia fashion—humble and generous—she asked that if you love what she’s doing, you would consider supporting Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child.