Linda Kay Funmaker

Linda Kay Funmaker of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed peacefully on September 28th, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Linda's life was a testament to her strength, love for her children, and deep appreciation for the simple beauty in the world around her.
Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Donna Patterson, Linda was the eldest of three girls. Her early years were shaped by days spent exploring nature and swimming in the lakes she loved so dearly. Her connection to nature began as a child and remained with her throughout her life.
Linda graduated from La Follette High School, Madison, WI, class of 1970. She studied Music and Communication Arts at UW-Madison, graduating from UM-Twin Cities with a degree in Education. She earned an MA degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University in 2017. This incredible achievement, accomplished later in her life, stands as a powerful symbol of her intellect, perseverance, and growth. Her education was central to her journey. She believed deeply in the power of learning-not only for her students, but for herself.
Her professional life was as vibrant and varied as her spirit. She found joy as a park volunteer in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. While raising a family, she worked for the railroad system in downtown Minneapolis. When she transitioned to education, she was affectionately known as "Miss Linda," as she worked in early childhood education in the Minneapolis Public Schools, retiring in 2020 from Anne Sullivan Communication Center in Minneapolis.
She dedicated her life to nurturing young minds. She was a beloved Pre-K teacher whose gentle guidance and warm spirit helped shape countless children. If she hadn't taught Pre-K, she always said she would be a music teacher-and music was woven throughout her life. From humming softly while cooking delicious food or driving to her favorite restaurant, to playing the tunes she knew best and appreciated throughout the house, to singing karaoke on NYE.
Through all seasons of her life-the joyful ones and the hard ones-was raising her six children and witnessing her grandchildren grow up. She led with love, sacrifice, and strength. Her love and appreciation for her family and friends was unmatched.
She is survived by her siblings: Deborah Patterson (Ronald, Timothy, Sarah, Anthony, Estefania, Mathias, Luca), Candice Patterson (Emily and Ryan), and Tracy Patterson-Hegg (Roger, Megan, Miles, Kate, Wren); her children, Pine Giroux, Leaf Funmaker, Sage Funmaker, Brook Funmaker, Linden Funmaker, and Raine Funmaker; her grandchildren, Rieneah Williams, Cassie Funmaker, Jalen Funmaker, Allison Funmaker, Brody Jaeger, Tani Williams, Blake Jaeger, Canyon Mustache, Lillia Williams, Manii Mustache, Shania Stumblingbear, Jumper Williams, Kyla Stout, Zaza Hall, and Amal Funmaker-Wazwaz.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hayden Grove Senior Living, Saint Anthony, MN, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 12–2 PM. The family invites all those who were touched by Linda's light to come together in community and share memories, tears, and smiles.
She will be missed beyond words and remembered beyond time.