Todd Joseph Funke

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of our brother, Todd Joseph Funke (64), on November 8, 2024. He was born on November 21,1959, in Polson, MT. Todd peacefully passed away following a lengthy illness. 

Todd and his siblings grew up on the river of Polson. As children, they would mow lawns, shovel snow, cut firewood, cut and bale hay, brand cattle, harvest Christmas Trees and whatever else was needed for the family. Early on Todd married his one true love, Diane Gillespie Funke. Although they separated after 16 years of marriage, the deep connection they shared stayed true to the end, he loved and looked forward to the continued friendship they had.

Todd was a jack of all trades and was great at everything he put his mind to. Todd’s love of Horses and Rodeo led him to pursue in a specialty as a Horse Farrier. Later, Todd accepted the position as a prison guard at Walla Walla State Prison. After moving back to his hometown of Polson, Todd, as a Tribal Member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes also worked as a Tribal Police Officer, had his own business of Mission Mountain Seamless Rain gutters purchased from his brother Matt Funke, lastly working with the Safety of Dams and Tribal housing. 

Todd had many hobbies he enjoyed. His love for speed and adventurous personality led him to hunting, rodeo, fast cars and sprint boats. He enjoyed giving his friends and family rides in his cars and sprint boats. You could see a sparkle in his eyes while laughing with pure joy as he safely pushed the limits of speed. 

He loved hunting Big Game, unfortunately, his poor health prevented him from doing what he loved most in recent years. Watching his eyes light up while listening to his hunting stories in Hog Heaven was mesmerizing. Telling his hunting stories was almost like being there reliving those moments. That is when you could see pure happiness on his face. 

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Funke Sr, mother, Patricia Ann Funke, his eldest sibling, Janet Marie Funke, nephew-USMC Kane M. Funke, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

Todd is survived by his siblings, Tom Funke, Jr, Greg Funke (Kathy), Eric Funke (Julie), Matt Funke (Teresa) and Stephanie Sweeten (Patrick), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and close cousins.

A celebration of life gathering to honor the memory and cherish the legacy of Todd will be held at a later date.