Farewell
Shawn P. Funk
March 30, 1975 - September 11, 2008
Shawn P. Funk, 33, son of Ron and Briana Funk, continued on to his next journey, Thursday, September 11, 2008 as a result of an automobile accident.
Visitation was 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Visitation resumed at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell until 7 p.m. when a wake service was offered.
Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell with Fr. Arnold Kari officiating. Burial followed at the Wilson Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established.
Shawn was born Easter Sunday, March 30, 1975 in Spearfish, SD. He graduated from Chatfield High School in Littleton, CO. He furthered his education at Doane College in Nebraska, CSU in Fort Collins, CO and Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. Shawn graduated with several degrees.
Shawn moved back to South Dakota to be closer to his family and to be with his parents and grandparents who were very special to him. He enjoyed spending time with them taking them to the symphony, the playhouse, and showing them all the great things life had to offer. His favorites were taking Grandpa out to Newell Lake at 1 a.m. in the morning to watch a meteor shower or teaching his Dad to throw pottery. He opened up a whole new world for them.
Shawn had a profound love of art and music. He shared this love with hundreds of students of all ages. He taught at Lead-Deadwood Middle School, Black Hills State, and at his own shop in Spearfish. He also taught ukulele lessons at the Sturgis Art Center. Every student Shawn taught had their own special place in his heart.
He was a Master Potter and his work can be found from the Black Hills to the Rockies and beyond.
As a musician, he was a multi-instrumentalist. He was a drummer with the Violent Hippies and also an accomplished player of string instruments. He loved playing his ukulele and singing for his friends at Ugly Mug Night at the Chop House and at Crow Peak Brewery where you could also find everyone drinking out of his pottery mugs.
Shawn was a true teacher of everything to everyone. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle heart. He lived life in his own way and at his own speed, always enjoying the journey for that day. He has shown countless family and friends what life’s journey should be. We will miss you Shawn.
Shawn is survived by his parents, Ron and Briana Funk, Newell; his three special dogs, Aster, Apollo and Aurora; Grandpa Jim Gibb, stepsister, Brandi Black and family and stepbrother, Joshua Funk and family; also numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will all miss him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Howard and Constance Wilson and his cousins Jeremiah and Jennifer Wilson.
Taken from Kinkade Funeral Chapel Registry:
Shawn had such a wonderful ability to bring out the best in everyone around him, he had such a caring heart and a gentle soul. He was an inspiration to those that he taught and he will be missed.
Ina Peck
Lead, SD
I NEVER KNEW SHAWN BY PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCE BUT I KNEW HIM FROM HIS FAMILY ADMIRATION AND LOVE FOR HIM. HIS GRANDFATHER HOWARD ALWAYS ENJOYED TELLING ME ABOUT SHAWN TAKING HIM PLACES AND THE FUN THEY HAD TOGETHER. NOW THEY ARE ONCE AGAIN ALL TOGETHER SITH JENNIGER, JEREMIAH,CONNIE AND HOWARD IN HEAVEN.
RAY K. WILSON
INDEPENDENCE MISSOURI
For Briana and Ron. I am so sorry for your loss. Some of the best stories his Grandpa Howard Wilson shared with the rest of family were about his good times with Shawn. My prayers are with you.
Karen Wilson
Mission, KS
I didn't have the honor of knowing Shawn personally but know he will be sadly missed. May his light shine forward in those he touched.
Lisa
Sturgis, SD
Briana, Ron and family, Our condolences to you in your great loss - a wonderful life cut short, too soon. Our thoughts are with you.
Kurt and Judy Simon
Newell, SD
I didn't know Shawn personally but I knew of him and knew him if I saw him. Shawn was incredibly talented both with his pottery and his music and he was incredibly big hearted and unselfish...His work with the Empty Bowls fundraiser was an example of that. My daughter had him for some classes at the H.S. and was shocked to hear about his accident. "He was the nicest teacher ever" she stated. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you the family.
Anne
Spearfish, SD
Our condolences to Shawn's family. Shawn mentored one of our son's as his student assistant from the high school when Shawn was teaching at the middle school in Lead. He was a such a positive influence on our son, encouraging him to "be himself" and "be creative". We will think of Shawn everytime we use our coffee mugs that our children bought for Christmas gifts. They are even more prescious now...
Scott and Jeanne Prentice Family
Lead, SD
I am so sorry to hear about Shawn.My Prayers go out to his family.
Glenda Jowell (Walton)
Las Vegas, Nevada
My Shawnie, I will miss you so much and will forever hold a place for you in my heart. You touched many lives and mine was blessed to have you in it. You are my friend, my soulmate and my heart. I will never forget you and the times we had. I hold our memories precious in my heart.
Annie Bananie
Bend, OR
Oh, we are so shocked and saddened when we heard of Shawn's accident! I loved this young man as a fellow musician and teacher. He was a joy to see walk into the Sturgis Center for the Arts, and I just can't bare the thought of not seeing him in there again!! We will keep his family and especially his Mother in our prayers.
Dennis/Roxie Chowen
Sturgis, SD
To Briana and Ron: I am so sorry for your loss. I remember seeing Shawn when he was not more than 18 months old. He sat next to me, playing with my camera until he figured out how it worked. His curiosity and creative spirit were already emerging at such a young age. My sister, Kris, has a photo of our grandmother (Shawn's great grandmother) holding him. Grandma has a bright smile on her face, just happy to be holding her great grandson. We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Kay Wilson
Kansas City, MO
I didn't know Shawn, but I knew of him through his parents. They would share stories as they came through my store on the way to Rapid City. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most trying of times.
Shauna Hughes
Rapid City SD
What an amazing spirit!! We should all be so blessed and fortunate to know someone like Shawn. He will truly be missed by all. Shine on, Shawn!
Jill
Missoula, MT
The art world has lost a great one. I am still in shock over this loss. Shawn was a kind and gentle man with so many talents. He will be missed by us all.
Shari Kosel
Lead, SD
Love, like the ocean, is vast and forever, And sorrow, but a shadow that moves over the sea. You can always remember, and you can love forever... even as you learn to say good-bye. Wishing You Peace. Author Unknown We send our sympathy to Shawn's family and friends.
Scarlett and Bill Glover
Olympia, Washington
Shawn was a dear friend and inspiration to me. We were in high school Latin class together, and years later developed a friendship. I will always cherish memories of playing put put golf with Shawn, him serenading me on his ukelele, bringing gorgeous pottery he had created, and his calming, friendly demeanor. I loved Shawn for his artistic and musical abilities, entrepreneurship, work ethic, love of his family and friends, generosity, dedication, and sense of humor. He was a genuinely wonderful person, and though he will be sorely missed, Shawn will never be forgotten.
Emily A. Carroll
Littleton, CO
Shawn was such an interesting and amazing person. I realized there was something special about him the first time I met him in the pottery room at BHSU. Years later, I lived close to his shop by Sanfords and on my walks home at night, there would always be a light on and shawn would be making something. I didn't know him well, but my heart is broken and my thoughts are with all his family and friends.
Desarae Biggins
Spearfish, SD
Shawn was an incredible person. A friend, brother, colleague to so many folks. I will take many influences and inspirations from him and use them for the rest of my life. Truly, a wonderful person Shawn was......
Dan Sherrill
Wheatland, Wyoming
What a profound sense of loss we all feel over the death of Shawn. He was an amazing young man who will be just as successful in his next journey. We will deeply miss him.
Lori
Spearfish, South Dakota
Shawn was such a magical person. Last i heard from him he was about to make a cake for his Grandpa's birthday. Thank you for everything you've shown us. I will never forget him.
Jenna
Even though Shawn and I didn't know each other too well, we were connected through our families and through a special bond from when we were in college. My late grandparents loved Shawn as well as my aunt, Mary. I know that nothing can replace his body but his spirit will always be with us. I am praying for him and your family and hope to contribute to a good cause in his name. Love and peace to you all in this tragic time.
Laura Valent
Portland, OR
Briana and Ron, Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kent & Kayleen Stenson
Rapid City
Our thoughts and prayers go to all of Shawn's family. My husband and I met Shawn several years ago at the Festival in the Park and soon found out what a gifted and talented soul he is. We learned great lessons from Shawn and in his love for the world. We will treasure his pieces of art and think of him with every use. May God grant each of you peace during a most difficult of times.
Emily
Spearfish, SD
Shawn will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He was an inspiration and a very kind soul.
Sherry
Spearfish, SD
Shawn was my classmate at Chatfield High School in Littleton. He was a good friend and we recently talked about catching up on his next visit to Denver. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time...
Paul Kukreja
Denver, CO
We would like to send our condolences to Shawn's family. We were with him on Tuesday evening at Crow Peak Brewery and feel blessed that we had this time with him. He had just finished making 4 Iron Man mugs for us, two of them to be given to my brother-in-law as a wedding present in England. He told us about his grandfather recently passing away and he spent some time reminising with us. He was and always will be remembered as a very special person, who touched the lives of every person he met. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family at this time. God Bless you all. The Owen's
Sara & Greg Owen
Spearfish SD
Shawn was an amazing friend-- a beautiful wonderful person... I am so sorry for your loss... He was such a wonderful friend. I will miss him...
Kacie Marta Nickles
Alpharetta, GA
some of my best memories are from Mr Funks art class. he was an amazing person.
Former Student
SD
Shawn was an amazing individual who will surely be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to be graced by his presence. Even though we only hung out a few times, I will cherish each instance forever. Thank you for the good times Shawn and may your spirit live on in all of us who knew you!! Much love brotha!!
Scott Valent
Denver, CO
My knowledge of Shawn Funk precedes meeting him in person by many months. Nate Stephens first introduced me to Shawn by showing me his Funk Pottery collection. Nate was very fond of Shawn and you could tell that the two had a great friendship. I met Shawn November of 2006 when Nate and I flew from Arkansas to spend Thanksgiving Holiday in Spearfish. We had Thanksgiving dinner with Shawn and his family and Shawn made a vegetarian pot pie. I am a vegetarian too and I though it was so cool. It is a Thanksgiving that I will always remember. I am amazed how Shawn Funk inspired me as a fellow artist and has stayed with me even though I spent such a short time with him. He will live on through everyone that knew him well, as well as the people that met him briefly and people that only knew of him. I send his family and friends my love.
Shannon Smithee
Jonesboro, AR
Shawn was a kind soul and he led his life in an inspirational way. I had the opportunity to see the positive way in which students responded to Shawn. He was an inspiration to more young people than can be counted. Knowing him was a gift, and I send you my heartfelt condolances.
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton
Spearfish
I had the privilig of having Shawn as a teacher at BH and there was never a time that he wasn't smiling or making someone else smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.
Ashley
Spearfish, SD
Shawn was a great role model to many children. The KCK children would walk to his studio for lessons and he was sure to make each child feel like they were a master potter!! That kind of quiet, positive spirit is why so many kids will keep Mr. Funk in their hearts. He gave so much more than he ever received. Our children are better for their connection to this wonderful man.
Kids Club Kids
Spearfish
Shawn was our cousin. He always liked to be with kids. When we were little he used to take us on walks and brought us chalk. We will always remember him when we take out the Christmas ornaments that he made us. Thanks for being an influence on our lives Shawn.
Abbie, Sage, and Lily Alexander
Martin, SD
Shawn, I was out at 2am and you are shining ever so bright. I will always hold you close to my heart. I will miss you Love Auntie Pam
Auntie Pam
Salina Kansas
We love and miss you Shawn. We were blessed to have you for 33 years. You were the best son anyone could imagine having. See you in our dreams until we meet again. Love Mom and Dad
Dad and Mom
Newell SD
Dad and Briana, please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss, and know our thoughts are with you at this time.
Joshua Daleigh and family
Seattle, WA
Shawn, I saw a shooting star this morning at 4am and I knew it was you going on another adventure.I will look for you in the stars and hope to see you flashing by.See you soon in my dreams. Love Uncle Tim
Uncle Tim
Salina,Kansas
Dad and Briana sorry for your loss. I do remember Shawn as a young boy always reading his Archie and Jughead comics and loving the Chipmunks.I'm glad to know that he lived his life the way he wanted and not the way someone else wanted! Have fun in your new adventure, Your stepsister and family
Brandi Black
Little Elm, TX
I attended Doane College in Nebraska with Shawn. I have fond memories of him.
Heather McShane
Chicago, Illinois
I remember Shawn as such a sweet little boy and he grew up to be such a talented, caring, and respected adult! Briana and Ron I know your hearts are breaking....I only hope the fond memories of Shawn will help you to smile again.
Micaela
Baltimore, MD
I knew Shawn as my student, and as my daughter's art teacher. If there was a nicer guy out there, I never met him.
Steve Anderson
Shawn, Every memory I have of you is a loving one. I am sorry we didn't get to see one another for so long. Please be waiting for me... xoxo Love Always, Liz p.s. Don't forget the pickles! :)
Liz Starcevich
Denver, CO
Briana & Ron - I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss & your family is in my thoughts & prayers. Although I hadn't seen Shawn since he was a young teenager, I will always remember him as a gentle, respectful young man. He will be sorely missed by all.
Clay Chandler
Denver, CO
Dear Shawn, I think of you often and just spent the most amazing Christmas with your Mom and Dad. There wasn't a moment that went by that you, Jer, Grandpa and Grandma were not thought of. And Serena is spoiled!!!!!!
Auntie Pam
Salina, Kansas
Shawn was my first love and only one of two people I ever really cared about in that way. Not knowing him the last 13yrs he seemed to be the same loving and caring for others person he always has been. I am crying more then I think I should but then I guess I see what a lucky person I was to spend 4 years with him. May we see each other again. Love Jen
Jennifer Locke
Denver, CO
When I lived in Lead I had Shawn as my art teacher. I am saddened to learn of his death, and even more sad to learn it so long after it happened. I didn't know him very well, but he was an awesome teacher and always pushed his students to discover the height of their abilities. My condolences to those who knew him better than I did.
Julie Key
Spearfish, SD
March 30, 1975 - September 11, 2008
Shawn P. Funk, 33, son of Ron and Briana Funk, continued on to his next journey, Thursday, September 11, 2008 as a result of an automobile accident.
Visitation was 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Visitation resumed at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell until 7 p.m. when a wake service was offered.
Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell with Fr. Arnold Kari officiating. Burial followed at the Wilson Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established.
Shawn was born Easter Sunday, March 30, 1975 in Spearfish, SD. He graduated from Chatfield High School in Littleton, CO. He furthered his education at Doane College in Nebraska, CSU in Fort Collins, CO and Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. Shawn graduated with several degrees.
Shawn moved back to South Dakota to be closer to his family and to be with his parents and grandparents who were very special to him. He enjoyed spending time with them taking them to the symphony, the playhouse, and showing them all the great things life had to offer. His favorites were taking Grandpa out to Newell Lake at 1 a.m. in the morning to watch a meteor shower or teaching his Dad to throw pottery. He opened up a whole new world for them.
Shawn had a profound love of art and music. He shared this love with hundreds of students of all ages. He taught at Lead-Deadwood Middle School, Black Hills State, and at his own shop in Spearfish. He also taught ukulele lessons at the Sturgis Art Center. Every student Shawn taught had their own special place in his heart.
He was a Master Potter and his work can be found from the Black Hills to the Rockies and beyond.
As a musician, he was a multi-instrumentalist. He was a drummer with the Violent Hippies and also an accomplished player of string instruments. He loved playing his ukulele and singing for his friends at Ugly Mug Night at the Chop House and at Crow Peak Brewery where you could also find everyone drinking out of his pottery mugs.
Shawn was a true teacher of everything to everyone. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle heart. He lived life in his own way and at his own speed, always enjoying the journey for that day. He has shown countless family and friends what life’s journey should be. We will miss you Shawn.
Shawn is survived by his parents, Ron and Briana Funk, Newell; his three special dogs, Aster, Apollo and Aurora; Grandpa Jim Gibb, stepsister, Brandi Black and family and stepbrother, Joshua Funk and family; also numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will all miss him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Howard and Constance Wilson and his cousins Jeremiah and Jennifer Wilson.
Taken from Kinkade Funeral Chapel Registry:
Shawn had such a wonderful ability to bring out the best in everyone around him, he had such a caring heart and a gentle soul. He was an inspiration to those that he taught and he will be missed.
Ina Peck
Lead, SD
I NEVER KNEW SHAWN BY PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCE BUT I KNEW HIM FROM HIS FAMILY ADMIRATION AND LOVE FOR HIM. HIS GRANDFATHER HOWARD ALWAYS ENJOYED TELLING ME ABOUT SHAWN TAKING HIM PLACES AND THE FUN THEY HAD TOGETHER. NOW THEY ARE ONCE AGAIN ALL TOGETHER SITH JENNIGER, JEREMIAH,CONNIE AND HOWARD IN HEAVEN.
RAY K. WILSON
INDEPENDENCE MISSOURI
For Briana and Ron. I am so sorry for your loss. Some of the best stories his Grandpa Howard Wilson shared with the rest of family were about his good times with Shawn. My prayers are with you.
Karen Wilson
Mission, KS
I didn't have the honor of knowing Shawn personally but know he will be sadly missed. May his light shine forward in those he touched.
Lisa
Sturgis, SD
Briana, Ron and family, Our condolences to you in your great loss - a wonderful life cut short, too soon. Our thoughts are with you.
Kurt and Judy Simon
Newell, SD
I didn't know Shawn personally but I knew of him and knew him if I saw him. Shawn was incredibly talented both with his pottery and his music and he was incredibly big hearted and unselfish...His work with the Empty Bowls fundraiser was an example of that. My daughter had him for some classes at the H.S. and was shocked to hear about his accident. "He was the nicest teacher ever" she stated. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you the family.
Anne
Spearfish, SD
Our condolences to Shawn's family. Shawn mentored one of our son's as his student assistant from the high school when Shawn was teaching at the middle school in Lead. He was a such a positive influence on our son, encouraging him to "be himself" and "be creative". We will think of Shawn everytime we use our coffee mugs that our children bought for Christmas gifts. They are even more prescious now...
Scott and Jeanne Prentice Family
Lead, SD
I am so sorry to hear about Shawn.My Prayers go out to his family.
Glenda Jowell (Walton)
Las Vegas, Nevada
My Shawnie, I will miss you so much and will forever hold a place for you in my heart. You touched many lives and mine was blessed to have you in it. You are my friend, my soulmate and my heart. I will never forget you and the times we had. I hold our memories precious in my heart.
Annie Bananie
Bend, OR
Oh, we are so shocked and saddened when we heard of Shawn's accident! I loved this young man as a fellow musician and teacher. He was a joy to see walk into the Sturgis Center for the Arts, and I just can't bare the thought of not seeing him in there again!! We will keep his family and especially his Mother in our prayers.
Dennis/Roxie Chowen
Sturgis, SD
To Briana and Ron: I am so sorry for your loss. I remember seeing Shawn when he was not more than 18 months old. He sat next to me, playing with my camera until he figured out how it worked. His curiosity and creative spirit were already emerging at such a young age. My sister, Kris, has a photo of our grandmother (Shawn's great grandmother) holding him. Grandma has a bright smile on her face, just happy to be holding her great grandson. We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Kay Wilson
Kansas City, MO
I didn't know Shawn, but I knew of him through his parents. They would share stories as they came through my store on the way to Rapid City. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most trying of times.
Shauna Hughes
Rapid City SD
What an amazing spirit!! We should all be so blessed and fortunate to know someone like Shawn. He will truly be missed by all. Shine on, Shawn!
Jill
Missoula, MT
The art world has lost a great one. I am still in shock over this loss. Shawn was a kind and gentle man with so many talents. He will be missed by us all.
Shari Kosel
Lead, SD
Love, like the ocean, is vast and forever, And sorrow, but a shadow that moves over the sea. You can always remember, and you can love forever... even as you learn to say good-bye. Wishing You Peace. Author Unknown We send our sympathy to Shawn's family and friends.
Scarlett and Bill Glover
Olympia, Washington
Shawn was a dear friend and inspiration to me. We were in high school Latin class together, and years later developed a friendship. I will always cherish memories of playing put put golf with Shawn, him serenading me on his ukelele, bringing gorgeous pottery he had created, and his calming, friendly demeanor. I loved Shawn for his artistic and musical abilities, entrepreneurship, work ethic, love of his family and friends, generosity, dedication, and sense of humor. He was a genuinely wonderful person, and though he will be sorely missed, Shawn will never be forgotten.
Emily A. Carroll
Littleton, CO
Shawn was such an interesting and amazing person. I realized there was something special about him the first time I met him in the pottery room at BHSU. Years later, I lived close to his shop by Sanfords and on my walks home at night, there would always be a light on and shawn would be making something. I didn't know him well, but my heart is broken and my thoughts are with all his family and friends.
Desarae Biggins
Spearfish, SD
Shawn was an incredible person. A friend, brother, colleague to so many folks. I will take many influences and inspirations from him and use them for the rest of my life. Truly, a wonderful person Shawn was......
Dan Sherrill
Wheatland, Wyoming
What a profound sense of loss we all feel over the death of Shawn. He was an amazing young man who will be just as successful in his next journey. We will deeply miss him.
Lori
Spearfish, South Dakota
Shawn was such a magical person. Last i heard from him he was about to make a cake for his Grandpa's birthday. Thank you for everything you've shown us. I will never forget him.
Jenna
Even though Shawn and I didn't know each other too well, we were connected through our families and through a special bond from when we were in college. My late grandparents loved Shawn as well as my aunt, Mary. I know that nothing can replace his body but his spirit will always be with us. I am praying for him and your family and hope to contribute to a good cause in his name. Love and peace to you all in this tragic time.
Laura Valent
Portland, OR
Briana and Ron, Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kent & Kayleen Stenson
Rapid City
Our thoughts and prayers go to all of Shawn's family. My husband and I met Shawn several years ago at the Festival in the Park and soon found out what a gifted and talented soul he is. We learned great lessons from Shawn and in his love for the world. We will treasure his pieces of art and think of him with every use. May God grant each of you peace during a most difficult of times.
Emily
Spearfish, SD
Shawn will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He was an inspiration and a very kind soul.
Sherry
Spearfish, SD
Shawn was my classmate at Chatfield High School in Littleton. He was a good friend and we recently talked about catching up on his next visit to Denver. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time...
Paul Kukreja
Denver, CO
We would like to send our condolences to Shawn's family. We were with him on Tuesday evening at Crow Peak Brewery and feel blessed that we had this time with him. He had just finished making 4 Iron Man mugs for us, two of them to be given to my brother-in-law as a wedding present in England. He told us about his grandfather recently passing away and he spent some time reminising with us. He was and always will be remembered as a very special person, who touched the lives of every person he met. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family at this time. God Bless you all. The Owen's
Sara & Greg Owen
Spearfish SD
Shawn was an amazing friend-- a beautiful wonderful person... I am so sorry for your loss... He was such a wonderful friend. I will miss him...
Kacie Marta Nickles
Alpharetta, GA
some of my best memories are from Mr Funks art class. he was an amazing person.
Former Student
SD
Shawn was an amazing individual who will surely be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to be graced by his presence. Even though we only hung out a few times, I will cherish each instance forever. Thank you for the good times Shawn and may your spirit live on in all of us who knew you!! Much love brotha!!
Scott Valent
Denver, CO
My knowledge of Shawn Funk precedes meeting him in person by many months. Nate Stephens first introduced me to Shawn by showing me his Funk Pottery collection. Nate was very fond of Shawn and you could tell that the two had a great friendship. I met Shawn November of 2006 when Nate and I flew from Arkansas to spend Thanksgiving Holiday in Spearfish. We had Thanksgiving dinner with Shawn and his family and Shawn made a vegetarian pot pie. I am a vegetarian too and I though it was so cool. It is a Thanksgiving that I will always remember. I am amazed how Shawn Funk inspired me as a fellow artist and has stayed with me even though I spent such a short time with him. He will live on through everyone that knew him well, as well as the people that met him briefly and people that only knew of him. I send his family and friends my love.
Shannon Smithee
Jonesboro, AR
Shawn was a kind soul and he led his life in an inspirational way. I had the opportunity to see the positive way in which students responded to Shawn. He was an inspiration to more young people than can be counted. Knowing him was a gift, and I send you my heartfelt condolances.
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton
Spearfish
I had the privilig of having Shawn as a teacher at BH and there was never a time that he wasn't smiling or making someone else smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.
Ashley
Spearfish, SD
Shawn was a great role model to many children. The KCK children would walk to his studio for lessons and he was sure to make each child feel like they were a master potter!! That kind of quiet, positive spirit is why so many kids will keep Mr. Funk in their hearts. He gave so much more than he ever received. Our children are better for their connection to this wonderful man.
Kids Club Kids
Spearfish
Shawn was our cousin. He always liked to be with kids. When we were little he used to take us on walks and brought us chalk. We will always remember him when we take out the Christmas ornaments that he made us. Thanks for being an influence on our lives Shawn.
Abbie, Sage, and Lily Alexander
Martin, SD
Shawn, I was out at 2am and you are shining ever so bright. I will always hold you close to my heart. I will miss you Love Auntie Pam
Auntie Pam
Salina Kansas
We love and miss you Shawn. We were blessed to have you for 33 years. You were the best son anyone could imagine having. See you in our dreams until we meet again. Love Mom and Dad
Dad and Mom
Newell SD
Dad and Briana, please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss, and know our thoughts are with you at this time.
Joshua Daleigh and family
Seattle, WA
Shawn, I saw a shooting star this morning at 4am and I knew it was you going on another adventure.I will look for you in the stars and hope to see you flashing by.See you soon in my dreams. Love Uncle Tim
Uncle Tim
Salina,Kansas
Dad and Briana sorry for your loss. I do remember Shawn as a young boy always reading his Archie and Jughead comics and loving the Chipmunks.I'm glad to know that he lived his life the way he wanted and not the way someone else wanted! Have fun in your new adventure, Your stepsister and family
Brandi Black
Little Elm, TX
I attended Doane College in Nebraska with Shawn. I have fond memories of him.
Heather McShane
Chicago, Illinois
I remember Shawn as such a sweet little boy and he grew up to be such a talented, caring, and respected adult! Briana and Ron I know your hearts are breaking....I only hope the fond memories of Shawn will help you to smile again.
Micaela
Baltimore, MD
I knew Shawn as my student, and as my daughter's art teacher. If there was a nicer guy out there, I never met him.
Steve Anderson
Shawn, Every memory I have of you is a loving one. I am sorry we didn't get to see one another for so long. Please be waiting for me... xoxo Love Always, Liz p.s. Don't forget the pickles! :)
Liz Starcevich
Denver, CO
Briana & Ron - I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss & your family is in my thoughts & prayers. Although I hadn't seen Shawn since he was a young teenager, I will always remember him as a gentle, respectful young man. He will be sorely missed by all.
Clay Chandler
Denver, CO
Dear Shawn, I think of you often and just spent the most amazing Christmas with your Mom and Dad. There wasn't a moment that went by that you, Jer, Grandpa and Grandma were not thought of. And Serena is spoiled!!!!!!
Auntie Pam
Salina, Kansas
Shawn was my first love and only one of two people I ever really cared about in that way. Not knowing him the last 13yrs he seemed to be the same loving and caring for others person he always has been. I am crying more then I think I should but then I guess I see what a lucky person I was to spend 4 years with him. May we see each other again. Love Jen
Jennifer Locke
Denver, CO
When I lived in Lead I had Shawn as my art teacher. I am saddened to learn of his death, and even more sad to learn it so long after it happened. I didn't know him very well, but he was an awesome teacher and always pushed his students to discover the height of their abilities. My condolences to those who knew him better than I did.
Julie Key
Spearfish, SD
