McKayla McKee

     McKayla Paige McKee, “Jąąpjikerewįįga” (when lightning starts), 21, of Black River Falls passed away unexpectedly March 26, 2022. She was born to Robin McKee and Amy Funmaker Oct. 22, 2000, in Black River Falls. 

     McKayla was active in sports, track and field along with softball. She participated in the Indigenous Olympics in 2017 in Canada, and her and her team received a silver medal in track and field. She also enjoyed going to pow-wows where she danced as a fancy shawl. McKayla loved being with her friends and family, especially her nephew, Kingston Ramsey. She was always outgoing, loving, calming, living life to the fullest and didn’t care what people thought about her. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit, always blasting her music and being her family’s “Beautay” and will be deeply missed by all. 

     She is survived by her parents, Robin and Amy; sisters Allyon Funmaker of Black River Falls, Malena McKee of Black River Falls and Coral Wilson of Appleton; brother Nathaniel McKee of Black River Falls; nephews Kingston Ramsey of Black River Falls and Aden Samuel of Appleton; Gaga’s Joyce Funmaker of Black River Falls and Leona McKee of Black River Falls; and many Tega’s, Nani’s, Jaji’s and Cuwi’s. 

     Mckayla is preceded in death by Choca Max P. Funmaker Sr.; Tega Ramsey Funmaker, Auntie Lena Funmaker and brother Jordan Decorah. 

     A visitation for McKayla Paige McKee was held Monday, March 28, 2022, at the family’s home from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A visitation took place Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the District 1 Community Center. Funeral services followed at 12 p.m. Shannon Rave and Richard Mann officiated. Burial at Decorah Cemetery followed the service. 

     The Buswell Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements, 106 S. 2 nd St. Black River Falls, WI, 715-284-2231.