The Foley, Minnesota community is coming together in grief and gratitude following the death of Tyler Funk, a respected wrestling coach, devoted father, and longtime community member whose influence stretched far beyond the mat.
News of Funk’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from family members, athletes, coaches, church members, and friends across central Minnesota, underscoring the depth of his impact in Foley and surrounding towns.
“He wasn’t just a great competitor or coach,” wrote cousin Levi Jacobson in a widely shared post. “Tyler was a man of faith, a role model, and someone who made people feel seen and valued. He poured his heart into his family and his athletes, and that impact will live on.”
Funk grew up rooted in the Foley area, where wrestling is more than a sport—it is a cultural cornerstone. Those close to him say he embodied the values the sport teaches: discipline, humility, and resilience. As a coach and former teammate, he mentored young athletes not only in competition but in character, often emphasizing accountability and kindness alongside performance.
“Numbers don’t always tell the story—heart does,” said Coach Elwell, reflecting on a recent Royalton-Upsala wrestling match held in Funk’s memory. A 50/50 raffle organized during the event raised funds for Funk’s family and his young daughter, a gesture that many described as a powerful reminder of how tightly knit the wrestling community remains in moments of loss.
“All proceeds will go directly to Tyler’s family and his daughter, helping support her future and continue the legacy he leaves behind—on and off the mat,” Elwell added.
Community leaders have also announced a candlelight vigil in Funk’s honor, inviting residents to gather in remembrance. The vigil is scheduled for Monday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Gustavus Adolphus Church, located at 640 Broadway Ave. N., Foley. Organizers say the gathering is meant to honor Funk’s life, faith, and the relationships he built over the years.
“Tyler abundantly touched so many lives throughout the Foley community and beyond,” the Funk family shared. “We invite anyone who feels moved to join us.”
For many, Funk’s death is not only a personal loss but a reminder of the quiet ways community leaders shape small towns—through mentorship, service, and presence. In Foley, where schools, churches, and sports programs often intersect, his influence was woven into daily life.
As one family friend wrote, “He was an amazing father, taken too soon—but never forgotten.”
While the community continues to mourn, those closest to Tyler Funk say his legacy endures in the athletes he coached, the faith he lived by, and the family he loved deeply. In Foley, his name now stands as a symbol of compassion, leadership, and the enduring strength of community.
