Joanne Funston

“Your wings were ready,

But our hearts were not”

Joanne Adele Funston was born November 19, 1929 in Benson, Minnesota.  She was the fourth of five children born to Lawrence and Olive Burbank.  Joanne’s siblings were Jim, Betty, Jack and Jane.  Joanne is survived by Betty and Jane.

Joanne attended Benson schools and graduated from Benson High School were she participated in marching band.  She was also a member of the Congregational Church where she sang in the choir.

Joanne married LaVern Bullard   They had three children, LaVern Jr., Robert and Kevin.  LaVern Sr. passed away in 1960 from illness.

Joanne later married Jules Funston who also had three children, Jill, Jack and Cammie.  Jules passed away in 2005.

Joanne worked at many jobs throughout her lifetime.  The job she seemed to enjoy the most was purchasing agent.

Joanne was a wonderful, nurturing mother who always put the welfare of her children first.  Her children all owe her a debt of gratitude for a wonderful childhood.

Joanne retired at 55 and decided to climb every 14 thousand foot peak in Colorado.  She did accomplish that task.  She also walked in and out of the Grand Canyon several times.  She also hiked China, Greenland, Ireland, Netherlands and her last trip was to Russia.

She also took a job in her retirement working as a driver and tour guide for the Aurora Senior Center.  She drove a van full of seniors all over the state visiting places of interest or leading them on hiking trips.

Joanne will be sorely missed by her family and a large group of friends.