Leroy Falk

Leroy Lawrence Falk died Sunday, September 29, 2013 in Antigo, after residing with his daughter Shirley for the past 9 years. He was 91 years old. He was born March 13, 1922 in Essex, IA, son of the late Albin and Ida (Hendrickson) Falk. He married Hilda Nykanen in Superior, WI in 1943. She preceded him in death. He was raised in the Maple area. His parents were original homesteaders on the property and they established a dairy farm. Leroy later took over the farm, raising dairy cattle, and later switching to a beef operation. While running the farm, he was employed at the local feed mill in Maple. He also worked for Burlington Northern railroad as an equipment operator. He loaded ore and taconite ships, including the famous Edmund Fitzgerald on its final voyage. He loved horses and keeping vegetable and flower gardens with his wife Hilda. He was also skilled in carpentry and mechanic work. He will best be remembered for his jokes, his laugh and how quickly he befriended everyone he met. Life on the farm was lively, with friends, family, and neighbors stopping by to take a sauna, visit, share a meal, and tell stories. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Eklof of Antigo; 3 sons, Roger (Dianne) Falk of Superior; David (Elaine) Falk of Rice Lake; and Clarence Falk of Duncanville, TX; 3 sisters, Ina Falk of Lake Nebagamon, Clara (Gene) Karich of Lake Nebagamon, and Anna Johnson of Kendall; 9 grandchildren, Dawn, Darrin, Cindy, Brian, Aaron, Debby, Erin, Jody, and Ashley; 3 step-grandchildren, Amanda, Wayne, and Dennis; and 23 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Ruby Kavari, Florence Maupin, and Gladys Falk, who died as a young child; a brother, Dale Falk; and a son-in-law, Clyde Eklof. A funeral service will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, with Pastor Dennis Romaine officiating. Visitation will be 8:30-9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with a service by Tom Lindberg will take place at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church Cemetery in Maple.