Ronald D. Funk, 79, of Gordonville, Pa., passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 23. Ron was the husband of Susan Hable Funk, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in June. He was born in Bloomsburg, Pa., the son of Howard and Madalyn Funk. He graduated from Central Columbia High School and earned a bachelors degree in education from Bloomsburg University. As a young man living in Bloomsburg, Ron was an auctioneer apprentice with Lloyd Force and worked as an auctioneer with John Autotore. In 1968, Ron relocated to Lancaster County to teach at Pequea Valley Intermediate School, where he also served as their PA Hunting Safety Instructor and retired after 32 years. In addition, Ron partnered with Gordon Ressler and formed Funk/Ressler Auctioneers of Paradise. For over 25 years, Ron conducted residential and commercial auctions, including benefit auctions to raise funds for fire companies, schools, and charitable organizations. Ron attended the yearly PAA State Convention of auctioneers and served as the PAA President in 1986, State Director for the Southeast Region, and was inducted to the PAA Hall of Fame in 2009. When visiting Rons home on a hill in Paradise, visitors never knew what his latest great find might be (both jeeps and taxidermy were of particular interest). He had a particular interest in military vehicles and Willy Jeeps, at one point owning 38 Jeeps. Ron always enjoyed meeting and talking with people. He was a member of Sertoma and was the 1998 Sertoman of the Year. He was a member of the Leacock Presbyterian Church, the Willys Jeep Club, the Military Vehicle Association, and the Paradise Sportsman Association. Besides his wife, Ron is survived by his four sons: Glenn (Carol) Smith, Todd (Valerie) Smith, both of Evansville, Ind.; Stephen (Jayme) of Paradise; and Michael (Megan) of Exton, as well as 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, his sister Janet (John) Bloomsburg and nieces and nephews. A service celebrating Rons life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. at Leacock Presbyterian Church, Paradise, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be given in Rons name to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, Pa. 17601 or the Paradise Sportsman Association, 327 S. Belmont Road, Paradise, Pa. 17562.