Garrett Lee Funkhouser, beloved husband, father, grandfather, rancher, coach, and community

volunteer, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 1, 2026, surrounded by his family, at

the age of 84.

Garrett was born on February 6, 1941, in Houston, Texas, and spent his early years in the

Dallas/Fort Worth area. In the late 1940s, things changed course toward the north when his father,

Ernest Funkhouser, relocated the family to Calgary, Alberta.

After experimenting with a few different endeavours, ranging from Veterinary medicine to selling

sweatshirts out of the back of a car, the farming bug took hold and Garrett made his way to the ranch

between Olds and Sundre.

Garrett and Carole met while crossing paths at Iowa State University, although concerned about his

reputation as somewhat of a rogue, Garrett eventually convinced the elusive Carole, perhaps

against her better judgement, to get married, pack up and help run a ranch in Alberta. They were

married in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1963, settled on the ranch west of Olds, and along came Chris, Randy,

and Jody.

The Funkhouser ranch was a fixture on the north side of 27 between Olds and Sundre. Garrett took

pride in his land and loved his cattle, at one point raising purebred Santa Gertrudis. Whether it was

harvest, haying, pulling a calf (usually in the middle of the night), or getting Chris unstuck on the

tractor, Garrett was determined and resilient, lessons he passed by example to his family.

While Garrett could at times, be described as stern, and perhaps even a little intimidating (those who

received the “glare” will know), he was devoted and a proud and loving father to Chris (Dionne),

Randy (Cynthia), and Jody (Doug) and adored his grandchildren Ben (Courtenay), Ava, Elijah

(Megan), Olivia, Jason, Lauren, Sidney, and Emily.

Accomplished athletes themselves, Garrett and Carole were determined their kids would have the

same opportunities despite the distance from town. Many hours were spent driving from the ranch

to town and across Alberta with hockey, ringette, baseball, badminton, golf, dance, or anything else

the kids wanted to try. Finding it hard just to watch, Garrett jumped in as coach, bringing a style that

was fair, supportive, but also demanding, focusing on work ethic and constant improvement.

Garrett was deeply committed to Olds and the surrounding community. His volunteer involvement

included rural crime watch, the Olds Grizzlies, Olds Minor Hockey, the Olds and District Recreation

Board, the Sundre Lutheran church, and many others. If something needed doing, Garrett was there,

sometimes quietly, sometimes with strong opinions, but always with genuine care for the community.

Garrett is survived by his wife, Carole, children Chris (Dionne), Randy (Cynthia), and Jody (Doug),

and his eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings Gene Jones Todd and Jim

Funkhouser. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #105,Olds.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Olds Health Care Fundraising

Committee.

Family and friends are invited to share memories, stories, and condolences on the Heartland Funeral Services website, where Garrett’s legacy will continue through the love of those who remember him.

Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2026-02-14
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610