Joseph E. Falkner "Ed", age 90, of Eau Claire, died on Monday, March 16, 2015, at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire. Ed was born on July 6, 1924, the oldest of twelve children, to Joseph and Emma (Fedie) Falkner, in the town of Canton, Buffalo County, Wisconsin. No stranger to hard work, he began at a very early age alongside his father on the family farm, as well as at the saw mill. As an adult, he worked at Sacred Heart Hospital where he met his wife, Mary Agnes Stolp. Ed and Mary were married on August 17, 1953, at Sacred Heart Church in Eau Claire. After 38 years of service to Sacred Heart Hospital, he retired only to continue working as a farmhand until the age of 75; proof that you can take the boy off the farm, but not the farm out of the boy. As a young man he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and later the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed the simple things in life, including "tinkering" in the garage, hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, observing wildlife, harassing the squirrels, sneaking that extra piece of chocolate cake, old time and country music, dancing and collecting toy tractors. Many children and grandchildren learned to polka on the tops of his feet. His giggle was always the giveaway that he was getting into trouble of one kind or another. When leaving, he was always quick to remind you to stay out of trouble, and you had to remind him of the same. He loved telling stories of living on the farm, especially over a good cup of coffee. Ed is survived by his six children, Mary Lu (Ron) Dudash of Eleva, Chuck (Chris) Falkner of Altoona, Larry (Kathy Copeland) Falkner of Eau Claire, Beth (Sam) Hunt of Chippewa Falls, Patrice Falkner of Eau Claire and Cheri Falkner of Eau Claire; eight grandchildren, Alicia (Jeff) Kropelnicki, Adrianna Falkner, Amanda Falkner, Anthony Falkner, Melanie (Jamie) Roberts, Nicole Falkner, Thomas Falkner Jr. and Traci Jo (Dave) Wilhelmi; seven great-grandchildren; nine siblings, Margaret Sam, Paul (Elsie) Falkner, Sylvan (Delores) Falkner, Raymond (Darlene) Falkner, Eugene (Beatrice) Falkner, Arlene (David) Pichler, Glen (Vicky) Falkner, Lorraine Falkner and Jeanette (Rich) Ebbinga; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary; son, Thomas; parents; sister, Dorothy; and brother, Dennis. A Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the West Chapel of Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. (Noon) on Friday, March 20, 2015, at St James the Greater Catholic Church, 2505 11th St., with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass at Church. Father Tom Krieg will be officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire. Family meant everything to Ed or "G-Pa" as he was known to his grandchildren. His favorite part of the holidays and large gatherings was when all of his children and grandchildren were present. Known to carry pictures of the great-grandchildren with him to dialysis, he never hesitated to tell people about his family. He had once said, "I may not have a lot of money but I am richer than most." When asked his greatest accomplishment in life, he stated without hesitation, "My family!"

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery 4100 S Hastings Way Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Thursday, March 19 2015 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Friday, March 20 2015 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, March 20 2015 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703