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 will be 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Visitation will resume at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell until 7 p.m. when a wake service will be offered.

Funeral services will be 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 follows 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 lifes 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.