Gerald K. Falk
Aug. 1, 1927 - April 16, 2013
Gerald Falk, 85, went to be with the Lord on April 16 at his home four miles north of Harrisburg, the property where he was born.
He was the youngest of five children born to Julius A. and Florence (Bond) Falk. Sisters Wilma Albertson, Lois Lotspeich, Erma Grinde and Violet Moorehead all passed on ahead of him.
After graduating from Harrisburg High School he worked the family farm before entering the Army in 1948 and was stationed in Alaska. He continued to live and work in Alaska in the early 1950s before coming back home to farm. While taking a dancing class he met a young lady named Ruth who had moved from North Dakota to work as a nurse in Eugene. Gerald and Ruth (Tokach) were married March 10, 1954, and settled in at the home farm.
Along with farming, Gerald worked as a carpenter helping to construct Lookout Point Dam, Green Peter Dam and West Albany High School. In 1970 he changed careers and purchased the Windell Insurance Agency in Harrisburg. The business expanded to a partnership with Lee Richardson in 1980 and an additional office in Brownsville was added.
Gerald and Ruth moved from the farm to Brownsville where they lived until his retirement in 1997. They enjoyed many years of traveling and volunteer activities.
He was an active member at Harrisburg Christian Church and later at Brownsville Christian church. He was also a 65-year grange member holding offices at local and county levels.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Falk; daughters Denise Falk-Salzano and husband Michael, and Pam Strutz and husband Bob; sons Eric Falk and wife Connie, and Craig Falk and wife Kathleen; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
A military internment will be at 10 a.m. today at Alford Cemetery in Harrisburg, following with a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. at Harrisburg Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances and memorials may be directed to Harrisburg Christian Church or Brownsville Christian Church.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).