Born in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1968, Funke has spent his life exploring the fields, forests, and wetlands of Michigan. After living in Muskegon, Cadillac, Grand Rapids, and Portage, Michigan, his family settled on a hobby farm in rural Van Buren County.
Funke grew up playing outdoors as there were only three television channels. Video games? He was out catch frogs, climbing trees, and discovering new adventures on his parents 25 acre property.
Funke was fortuneate enough to have parents who encouraged him to play outside . . . although he jokes they pushed him out and locked the door behind him. In high school, his biology teacher Mr. Hodgman, led Funke and his classmates on foreced marches to learn as much about the plants and animals in the area as possible.
Armed with his love of the outoors and knowledge imparted upon him by his high school biology teacher, Funke attended Western Michigan University, earning a double major in Biology and Environmental Studies.
"The Biology courses added to my knowledge of natural systems while Environmental Studies taught me how to THINK," says Funke.
While attending Western, he worked at a Fry Cook at Taco Grande (now Taco Bob's), where he learned his excellent customer service skills that he uses to this day.
One rainy day, Funke took shelter in the student center, where a summer employment fair was taking place. "I needed a summer job, and there were only two employers seeking natural science majors: Pioneer Seed company and Binder Park Zoo. The rest is history. Funke spent 18 seasons at Binder Park Zoo starting as an intern in 1989 and leaving as the Director of Conservation Education.
In 2008, many milestones were reached by Funke.
First, his first book was published, "50 Hikes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula". Second, he was inspired by wayward hikers needing rides at Tahquamenon Falls so he started a hiker-backpacker-canoer shuttle service, the Tahqua Trekker. Third, he accepted the positon of Director of Conservation with Michigan Audubon in 2008. He had already been the volunteer sanctuary manager at the Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary in Hastings since 2002. Last, but certainly not the least, his son Nathaniel was born.
Things you should know about Tom Funke
Has hiked nearly 2000 miles of the North Country Trail
In 1998, Took six weeks off work to hike the North Country Trail from Ironwood to St. Ignace. 450 miles, 8 showers.
Owns Tahqua Trekker (dba Trailspotters of Michigan; Kalamazoo River Valley Shuttle Service) which operates as a hikier, backpacker, canoer, biker shuttle service
Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient from the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University. Nominated by Environmental Studies.
Manages 20 bird sanctuaries across Michigan
Has travelled to 42 states (including Alaska) and many local, state, and national parks.
Has travelled and led tours to Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Peru
Weird things to know about Tom Funke
Has deep fried over one million taco shells
Was arrested for toiletpapering houses with five other National Honor Society members. Were dubbed the "Apple Shine Gang"
Shaved a large "W" in the back of his head for a Western-Central Football Game
Saw Henry Rollins Front Black Flag in 1985
