Danny Thomas Funke

(Feb. 5, 1953 - July 21, 2021)

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Danny Thomas “Crazy Legs” Funke passed on the morning of July 21, 2021. 

He was born in Salt Lake City on Feb. 5, 1953. Four days later he took his first plane ride to come home with Babe and Jean Funke, to start his life in Powell. 

Dan loved playing sports from the time he could hold a bat to the time he switched to golf. He enjoyed his childhood. We were always outside no matter what the weather was. 

Life was pretty simple back in the good ol’ days. You could find fun and trouble in any directions. 

Coach Dozah tried to talk Danny into joining the swim team but his heart was set on playing basketball and football with his good buddies, Carmon and Meeker. 

He joined the Navy after graduating Powell High School and won lots of swimming competitions that the Navy held. 

In 1976, his only child, Michael Funke, was born with his first wife, Theresa, blessing Dan’s life forever. 

Dan worked with the family business for a while, and BJ Hughes in Wyoming and California, but he could hear the water calling him. 

He attended seamanship school in Stuart, Florida. After that he captained a yacht, worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines as a scuba instructor and leading dives. He later moved to New York City and joined up with the scuba network team. 

Teaching evening scuba lessons in a New Jersey swimming pool, he met his life partner, Maureen Howard. Dan was Maureen’s “cowboy style” prince charming. They married on Jan. 14, 1989, and enjoyed several years in New York City. 

Maureen’s job took them to Singapore for a year, and then they relocated to Key Largo, where Dan started his own scuba business. They enjoyed watching sunsets from the dock, entertaining friends, and dancing at the local tiki bar. 

In 2003, they moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dan enjoyed making pottery, woodworking, cabinet making, exterminating New Mexico bugs, and of course, golfing. They lived outside Las Cruces, and they had lots of wonderful neighbors who were like one big family. They enjoyed barbecues at their pool, going dancing, and the monthly wine club dinners. 

Dan turned 60 while they were in New Mexico. Those who attended the party are still talking about that get together, B-52 bomber shots and disco music!!! They were always ready to meet up for a new adventure. 

In 2019, they both retired and ready to relocate back to Hutchinson Island, Florida. Dan would call to say, “When are you coming out? I can see the ocean out every window.” He loved when they landed and had high hopes of growing old there. He lived a full life and loved his friends and family. We love you back, Dano. 

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles, and a nephew, Reece Schleich. 

He leaves behind his wife Maureen Howard; son Mike (Tanya) Funke; and grandson Mikey of San Antonio, Texas; sister Terry Kaye (Larry) Schleich of Powell; and nephew AJ Schleich of Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

No services are planned. 

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