Funke retires from CSB

Originally from La Grange Park, Ill., Funke made her way to Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Dubuque.

“I graduated from Lyons Township High School with 1,100 other students. I wanted something smaller. Clarke was Catholic, which was important to me and it was close enough to get back home if I needed to.”

She began at CSB in June 1981, when the bank had branches in Edgewood, Littleport and Greeley. Now CSB has 10 locations.

“When I started, I was one of seven employees and we were just starting to computerize some things. Before that, we did everything on paper.”

After 10 years, Funke stepped away from CSB to be a stay-at-home mom to her three young children, returning two years later.

Funke said she’s seen lots of changes during her career.

“One of the things I’ve always loved about what I do is the fact that things are always changing. There has been a myriad of legislative changes and updates we have to abide by that brings about changes in policies and procedures in how we do things.”

She credited CSB Chairman and CEO Steve Brady for his innovative approach to the banking industry, saying, “One of the things Steve and CSB have always been known for is having all the latest and greatest technology, along with new banking products and services. So we always had fun, new technology all the time.”

Funke said the time is right for retirement.

“At some point, you reach an age where you have to face where you are at in life and make a decision about how much longer you want to continue exactly what you have been doing. Maybe you want to try something else. It kind of got to that stage with me. I want to do things with my grandchildren and have the time to do them on my time and my terms.”

Funke and her husband Jay, have three children and five grandchildren, with another grandchild due in April.

Funke said her clients made her job rewarding.

“They were the reason I got up and came to work. I love the people I’ve met and gotten a chance to work with over the years, and having the opportunity to do something for them.

“Working at Community Savings Bank has been a dream job with a dream employer. All I ever wanted to do is what I’ve been able to do at CSB. I’m so grateful for the opportunities and experiences. The people I have worked with are special. We have a great team here.”