Steven Funke, 71

Steven Richard Funke, 71, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2026. He was born on Oct. 25, 1954, in Missoula. 

Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, artist, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Funke; his daughters, Nihcole Petersen and Shaina Funke; his stepsons, Ron Cogdell and Will Cogdell; his sister, Kathy Fox; his brother, Ken Funke; his mother, Vera Funke; and many cherished grandchildren who brought great joy to his life. 

Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Kim and father, Richard. 

He was an entrepreneur throughout his entire life and an esteemed artist who worked in many mediums, including clay, charcoal, wood and metal. He owned and operated his own metal casting business, building a life for his family while expanding his work throughout the greater Northwest. His creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication earned him the respect of many who knew him personally and professionally. 

Steve loved spending time hunting and fishing in Eastern Montana, where he spent many of his youthful summers creating memories that stayed with him throughout his life. He also devoted many years of service to Montana’s Multiple Use organization, supporting causes he believed in deeply. 

Steve took after his father, Richard Funke, not only in his humorous, exaggerated storytelling and practical jokes, but also in his passionate commitment to keeping Montana Wilderness accessible to all. Their reunion in heaven is most certainly joyous! 

Throughout his lifetime, Steve lived in Kalispell and Harlem, Montana, Medicine Bow and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

Above all, Steve loved his family. He will be remembered as a kind, tenderhearted man whose warmth, generosity, humor, and quiet strength touched the lives of many. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. MST on May 23 at 22 Second Ave. E. in Kalispell. 

Steve’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.