Rocketry Planet

ESCONDIDO, Califorina USA - Kevin L. Funk, 49, an Internet entrepreneur, died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at his home following a stroke complicated by muscular dystrophy.

Born in Flushing, N.Y., on May 19, 1955, he spent 24 years in Altadena, Calif., six years in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and 17 years in Escondido. Despite his disability, he attended Pasadena City College, Long Beach State University and the Art Center in Pasadena on crutches.

He was well known nationally among model rocket hobbyists and served several terms as president of Dart, a San Diego area rocket club. He also wrote articles for national rocketry magazines and published the clubís newsletter for many years. In 1991 he began selling model rockets and in 1996 established Discount Rocketry.com an Internet website which he operated from his bedside and wheelchair.

Mr. Funk is survived by his parents, Elizabeth and Richard S. Funk of Escondido; a brother, Gary Funk; and sister-in-law Fabienne Buckle of Fresno; and a nephew, Alexander Funk of Bakersfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Elizabeth Hospice in memory of Kevin L. Funk.