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Russell Funnell Obituary
Russell "Rusty" Funnell Jr.
March 7, 1949
December 13, 2022
Russell "Rusty" Johnson Funnell Jr. loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away at age 73 on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, unexpectedly of natural causes at home. Rusty was born in Sante Fe, New Mexico on March 7, 1949, to Russell Johnson and Lois Bledsoe Funnell. The family moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1952 where he lived the rest of his life. Rusty graduated from Palmer High School in 1967. He married his high school sweetheart Dianne Todd on August 22, 1970. He sold bearings for Moore Bering, Colorado Bearing, and then Whistler Bearing until he retired in 2019. Rusty loved spending time with his family and close friends, music, camping, fishing, traveling, Star Trek, sci-fi, and anything related to time travel. Rusty leaves behind: the love of his life, his wife of 52 years Dianne Funnell; daughter Michelle Bennett-Funnell (William Neaves); son Thomas Funnell (Dawn); his six grandchildren Ethan and Sidonia Bennett, Liam, Kinsley, and Maeve Neaves-Funnell, and Joshua Neaves; sisters Robin Sumners (Charlie) and Trudy Wells (Bill); brother-in-law Russell Todd (Patricia); brother-in-law Richard Todd (Sharon); sister-in-law Cherry Nelson (Ronald); brother-in-law Rex Todd (Deena); bonus daughter Heather Jackson (Frank) and bonus grandsons Zarek and Zaki Jackson; previous son in law Daniel Bennett; Nieces and nephews Andrea, Leah, David, Mary Margaret, JP, Dale, Eric, Brian, Patrick, Ryan, Lisa, Richard, Emmalee, Amanda, Zachary, Katie, and Bryce; 20+ grandnieces and grandnephew's; plus many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Lois Funnell, brother Roy Funnell, niece Carmien Funnell, and his sister-in-law Eileen Teel. His family will miss his kindness, wisdom, deep talks, shared laughs and tears, hugs, smiles, and most of all him. Join us for his "wake" (celebration of life) this coming St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2023 (his favorite holiday). The location and time are to be determined, so please reach out to his family for the final details if you would like to attend. Email: [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Funnell
Patricia brassart ellison
September 6, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Trudy it's been a long time but remember sharing our birthday may 9th at Columbia school. I'm not sure how this post came up about your brother but so sorry
Dawn
March 5, 2023
Miss and love you lots dad.Tommy, Dawn and grandpup's.
Judy Kortz Brown
March 4, 2023
My dear cousin you will always be in my heart. I remember so many great times we had each time we came to the Springs. You will be miss so much.
ROBIN SUMNERS (FUNNELL)
February 13, 2023
Rusty was a beautiful baby--enough that our mother entered him in most beautiful baby in Santa Fe--he was a runner up. What I loved so much was how Rusty and Dianne loved each other--they were a great example of love--and their love goes on.
An old classmate
February 12, 2023
Rusty, we attended every school together -- Columbia, North, Palmer. Though we were never the closest of chums, I still remember your friendliness and kindness over those many years -- and of course your flaming rusty-red hair. Your life was a good one. Rest well.
Trudy Wells
February 12, 2023
I'm missing my brother so much, even though we didn't get to see each other very much. We had a special brother/sister bond all our lives and my heart is heavy that he is no longer with his loving family.
Nina Fuston Raveling
February 4, 2023
Trudy, I'm very sorry to learn of Rusty's death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Paula Almasy
February 3, 2023
Love and prayers for the family.
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