Jeffrey Robert Funke

Jeffrey Robert Funke, of Morgantown WV, unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his home on April 15, 2025. Jeff lived his life to the fullest and made the most of his time here with us.

Jeff was born on June 18, 1972, in Couer d'Alene, Idaho to Dennis and Linda Funke. He is survived by his brother, Dusty and his Aunt Cindy. In Idaho, Jeff learned his love of the outdoors and had strong appreciation for nature. He worked for a brief time for his dad's business as a logger and loved being in the woods. He carried these loves throughout his life.

Jeff attended the University of Montana in Missoula where he met the love of his life and soul mate, Julie. Here they began their great journey of life together. Jeff graduated with a bachelor's degree from Boise State University and got his master's degree in Industrial Hygiene from Montana Tech. Together, Jeff and Julie had 3 precious children, Conner Douglas, 25, Jordan Rose, 23, and Sophia Lynn, 18. It was his goal to attend every swim meet, school event, concert, or anything that his family was a part of as their biggest supporter. Jeff was unrelentingly proud of this children and family and loved them with his heart and soul.

Jeff took his first job with OSHA in 2001 and worked for the agency for almost 20 years. He was the area director in various locations, and he made a lot of close friends and connections along the way. In 2019 he took a job with NIOSH in Morgantown, WV. At NIOSH Jeff was the Fatality Investigations Team Lead in the Division of Safety Research. This consisted of the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program (FACE) and the Fire Fighter Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP). Jeff had a wide breadth of existing occupational safety knowledge that he brought from his many years at OSHA and was a great asset to his field. Jeff was in the process of retiring from NIOSH and was very excited to pursue a consulting career with close friends.

Jeff was a loving husband, father, friend, and coworker. He loved the outdoors, hunting, gardening, fishing, riding his motorcycle, fixing anything and everything, walking and hiking with his dogs (Murphy and Theo), and just spending time with his family. He attended Suncrest United Methodist Church and was just starting to get more involved in that community. He loved traveling to the beach with his wife and relaxing on the sand. Jeff's passing has left a huge hole in our hearts, and he has touched many lives. He will never be forgotten, and his memories will live on in our hearts forever.

Friends and family will be received at Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, on Saturday, April 26th from 3:00pm until the time of the memorial service at 4:00pm, with Pastor Larry Buckland officiating. The memorial service will also be live streamed on the church website at  www.suncrestumc.org/watch 

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com