William Falck

William Falck

Oskaloosa. William “Bill” Falck, 82, of Oskaloosa, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, March 31, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Bill’s life was a testimony of the personal relationship he has with Christ. Through that relationship he is now in his Savior’s presence. He was born July 27, 1929, the son of Otto and Ethel (Hesner) Falck near Lamont, Iowa. He grew up the oldest of 6 children in rural Fayette County, Iowa near Aurora. Bill graduated from the Stanley Consolidated School at Stanley, Iowa, with the class of 1947. On September 13, 1950, Bill entered the United States Navy, and honorably discharged July 15, 1954. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1958. While at ISU, he met Sharon Lee Sharff, they were married on June 29 1958 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein, Iowa. They made their home in Knoxville and then in Oskaloosa as Bill worked in sales for Funks G Hybrids. During that time the family grew with the births of their children Paul, Mark and Diane.

Bill and Sharon both returned to Ames and Iowa State in 1967 to complete their Masters’ Degrees. Bill was a plant breeder, specializing in corn. While in Ames, Bill also managed the Iowa Corn Yield Test for the Iowa Crop Improvement Association. In 1977, the family moved back to Oskaloosa and Bill worked for McCurdy Seed in Fremont as a corn breeder and research agronomist. In 1982 Bill started Spring Creek Seeds and provided crop research for independent family seed companies. Bill was joined in this venture by his wife and sons. Spring Creek Seeds served their clients for 25 years through 2007. Bill was a friend of agriculture. His life’s work was committed to helping the seed industry to provide viable genetics and promote farming techniques that would best serve the farmers of Iowa and farmers throughout the world. Upon the closing of the business he retired “full time” and enjoyed traveling with Sharon and watching his beloved Cyclones and Chicago Cubs.

Bill was a man of great faith, and that entered into every aspect of his life. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and deacon. Additionally he was a past member of the Lions Club and Mahaska Ruritan. He was also a member of the Masons. Bill had a great love for his family and friends and enjoyed getting together with them for a meal or a laugh.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife of over 53 years: Sharon Falck of Oskaloosa; two sons: Paul (& Becky) Falck of Oskaloosa and Mark (Flo) Falck of Pella; a daughter: Diane (& Marcus) Makaiwi of Peyton, Colorado; eight grandchildren: Peter Falck, Kelli Falck, Ryan Falck, Brooke Falck, Micah Makaiwi, Eli Makaiwi, Lydia Makaiwi and Noah Makaiwi; three step grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; five brothers: John (& Hermina) Falck of Oelwein, Gerald (& Beulah) Falck of Cedar Rapids, James (& Velma) Falck of Oelwein, Robert (& Sandy) Falck of Grinnell; a sister: Marsha (& Dave) Haier of Algonquin, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister in law and a niece.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Dr. Dennis Morey officiating. Military Rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. on the lawn of the church following the funeral ceremony. As was Bill’s wish his body will be cremated following the service. Burial of the cremated remains will be in the Union Cemetery near Aurora, Iowa at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with the family present from 5 – 8 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa or to Compassion International.