MADISON - Rev. Shirley Ann Rakacs Funk, age 80, passed away from Alzheimer's on November 16, 2024, in Madison, Wis., just past her 80th birthday. Born on September 30, 1944, Shirley grew up in Cranford, N.J., where she attended high school. She furthered her education at Westminster College and Princeton Theological Seminary, paving the way for her lifelong dedication to her faith and community.

Shirley was an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), where she devoted her career to spiritual leadership and community service. She spent most of her career and time raising her family in Madison, Wis. After her retirement and subsequent divorce, she relocated to Bainbridge Island, Wash. There, she immersed herself in local culture, enjoying activities such as singing in choirs, attending various concerts and events in Seattle, and going on road trips across the Pacific Northwest with family and friends. Her daughter, Joti Chandra, was her dedicated caretaker for the last 7 1/2 years.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Patricia (Rakacs) Remine of Shelton, Wash.; her son, Adam D. Funk of Seattle, Wash.; and her daughter, Joti Chandra Kaur (formerly Elizabeth A. Funk) of New Glarus, Wis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Susan Rakacs; and her former husband, John D. Funk.

In recognition of her contributions and dedication, Shirley's life will be commemorated through a virtual memorial at shirley-funk.forevermissed.com <http://shirley-funk.forevermissed.com>. She will also have a gravestone at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wis.

In lieu of traditional services, those wishing to honor Shirley's memory are encouraged to make contributions to Westminster College, Princeton Theological Seminary, or the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation, supporting the institutions that shaped her life and career.

The family would like to thank the green blanket staff for so lovingly caring for Shirley.

Go in Peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Shirley R. Funk

September 30, 1944 - November 16, 2024

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