From a Calloway 7-iron to a Kimber 1911 .45 pistol, he is extremely happy where he is after his world literally fell out from beneath him almost 16 years ago.

Mineral County Sheriff’s Deputy/Coroner Ryan Funke was born and raised in Polson and had a promising future as a professional golfer. He lettered all four years in high school and attended a golf college, but in July of 2004, everything changed.

The 14-foot by 56-foot wooden deck on the Diamond Horseshoe Bar and Casino in Polson collapsed without warning and more than 70 people fell 14 feet onto a hillside above Flathead Lake.

Funke broke his back in three places, both ankles and has had three major reconstructive shoulder surgeries from that night.

“There are things we have control over and there are things we have no control over. That night was a no-control situation,” he shares. Nearly five years of rehabilitation gave him plenty of time to think of his directional change for his future. Being a golf pro at Mission Mountain Country Club was all about helping people with instructions, ideas and direction.

During that time, Funke had participated with friends in law enforcement in ride-alongs and witnessed firsthand how people in need appreciated direction and suggestions. He remembered how law enforcement helped people in so many different scenarios and with all of the time to think of what he would like to do; law enforcement rose to the top.

Funke attended the Montana Police Academy in January of 2009 and then went to work for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. He came to the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office a little over three years ago.

For Deputy Funke, this is home.

“This is where my wife and son will grow up. He’ll go to school (St. Regis) and this is where we’ll always live. We built our ‘forever home’ here and have no intentions of moving,” he says.

“Customer service is what I’ve always been involved in and this position is the same. I’ve enjoyed helping and working with people and being a deputy is a natural fit. I see people at the low points of their life," Funke said. "What I can do myself when the bottom of their lives has been reached, is what I enjoy doing the most. Working with them through a tragic ordeal and help with getting them back on their feet is what I was meant to do.”

Funke is one of three Field Training Officers along with deputies Nobles and Allard who train the new deputies that come on board.

He is also one of four certified coroners in the department and eventually all deputies will carry this designation which is far from a glamorous duty but necessary to expedite the process in the field.

“Attitude has so much to do with this job,” explained Funke. "For example, when I walk up to the vehicle and the driver is courteous and friendly, that sets the tone of the encounter and that’s how I treat them.

"But when they have a chip on their shoulder with me, then I dial back giving them the same amount of respect. Treat people the way you would want them to treat you.”

Is Funke bitter about losing his dream of a professional golfer on the circuit?

“Not at all. There was a reason for what happened and where I am today is better than where I thought I wanted to be.”

He gives a huge shout-out to the other first responders in Mineral County as he feels they are top notch, and everyone gets the job done with teamwork.

The EMS, ambulance services and fire departments work very well together, and he says there isn’t a more professional bunch of people he’s ever known when working on tragic and frightening situations.

Funke works closely with search and rescue and would like to see more citizens step up to help this organization as they are critical to the MCSO at so many levels.

Applications are available at the Mineral County Dispatch Center or Deputy Funke would be more than happy to bring an application to you and talk about the program.