Funeral service remembers Erin West, teacher killed in Madison school shooting

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A funeral celebrating the life of Erin Michelle West, the 42-year-old teacher who died after the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, was held at Doxa Church on Monday, Dec. 23. 

Through speeches and songs, the congregation remembered West as someone who enjoyed family camping trips, attending school sporting events, spending time with her daughters, and serving at Doxa Church. 

Rob Warren, the lead pastor at Doxa Church, acknowledged that this was the last place West's family and friends wanted to be gathered together just days before Christmas. However, he said the service was the time to hurt and heal as one.

“The reason we are here today is because something horrific has occurred," Warren said. “While we grieve, we can grieve with hope. Erin is alive in heaven with Jesus and she’s more alive than she ever has been.”

Nate Kaloupek, a friend of West at Doxa Church, spoke at the service. He said West was someone who constantly told the people in her life she loved them, and he knew she meant it every time.

“She loved her husband, Jack, she loved her girls, and she loved us, her church family," Kaloupek said. “She would tell us about sweet moments she got to tell kids about Jesus when she got to fill in as a teacher, and that was precious.”

West was one of three who died after the school shooting. The funeral for the 14-year-old student who died, Rubi Vergara, was held Saturday, Dec. 21, at City Church in Madison.

The shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. In an update from the Madison Police Department Monday, Dec. 23, the public information officer said police are working to determine a motive for this incident.  

Erin is survived by her husband, Jack; three daughters, Emery, Laurel and Adleigh. You can read West's obituary here.