Peter Funk

1954 - 2025

Peter Funk

July 20, 1954 - July 10, 2025

Albert "Peter" Funk III passed away at 70 years old in the presence of his wife, two sons, and the dog he loved on the morning of July 10, 2025, 16 months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He died at home in Helena, Mont., his home for more than 40 years, and where he raised his family.

Peter was born on July 20, 1954 in La Crosse, Wis., to Mary and Albert Funk Jr, their fifth child and first son. Peter was born with an adventurous spirit, as evidenced by his interests in ski racing and boating on the Mississippi in his youth, both passions that he would carry throughout his life. Peter graduated from Aquinas High School in 1972. He attended the University of Colorado - Boulder during his freshman year, but transferred to, and later graduated from, the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He made the decision to transfer largely to be closer to family, and also to be closer to his high-school sweetheart, and later wife, Jeanne Underhill.

During college Peter and Jeanne spent many weekends together, which required Peter traveling back and forth each weekend between Madison and, first, Winona, Minn., and later, Rochester, Minn., where Jeanne was attending general education requirements and later clinical training for a Bachelors in Nursing at the Mayo Clinic. Peter graduated from UW - Madison with a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

After graduation, Peter and Jeanne embarked on a road trip west in typical hippie fashion, ultimately ending up in Roseburg, Ore., where Jeanne found a job as a nurse at the local hospital. After two years in Oregon, Peter and Jeanne quit their jobs and set out on a voyage to Alaska through the inland passage on his cousin's (Fritz) cabin cruiser. Afterward they moved to Missoula, Mont., where Peter hoped to ski more (he succeeded). Peter ultimately decided to attend law school at the University of Montana - Missoula, where he graduated in 1983. A job offer brought Jeanne and Peter to Helena shortly thereafter. Over time they would fall in love with Helena and decide that they would never leave again.

Peter had a varied career working at the Lewis and Clark County Attorney, Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the Attorney General's Office, the Keller Law Firm, and the Department of Transportation. He greatly enjoyed the organizations and people he worked with over the years, but his true passion was always the outdoors. Peter instilled a deep sense of wonder for Montana and love of adventure in his two sons, Andrew and Patrick. Peter and his family could be found rafting, skiing, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, or just enjoying the views from their deck together with all of their free weekends and summers. If you're looking for him now, these are the places you'll find him.

Peter was full of love, and he shared it with so many in his chosen community of Helena. He was on the boards of the Friendship Center, Grandstreet Theatre, and Trout Unlimited. He enjoyed playing and watching music in local gatherings and music festivals. You could always count on Peter to find a great dive bar and be ready with a beer and a laugh, for strangers and friends, on his travels or back home at Miller's or the Windbag.

Peter is survived by his wife, Jeanne Underhill; his two sons, Patrick and Andrew Funk; his four sisters, Terrel, Ellen (husband, Robert), Gretchen (husband, Mike) and Kate (husband, John); as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews for whom he cared deeply.

A celebration of Peter's life will be held at Brother's Tap Room on August 6th, from 5 to 8 p.m. All who knew Peter and would like to share in his memory are welcome. A celebration will also be held in La Crosse, Wis. in the spring of 2026. If anyone feels moved to make a donation in his name, he was a regular donor to the Helena Food Share and the Helena Humane Society.

Simple Cremation Montana

315 E Sixth Avenue

Helena, MT 59601

(406) 410-1321