Falkena, Fred 1937-2018

FALKENA, VANVELDHUIZEN, MARS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

Mr. Fred Falkena, age 80, of Hospers, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018, at the Orange City Area Health System.

There will be a celebration of his life on Friday, June 29, at 5:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hospers. The Rev. Dr. Brian Janssen will officiate. Prior to the celebration, there will be a private interment at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. Following the celebration, there will be supper and fellowship at the Hospers Community Center.

Fred was born on November 26, 1937, in Orange City, the son of Abe and Anna (Van Veldhuizen) Falkena. He was raised in Ireton, where he graduated from the Ireton High School in 1956.

On June 5, 1958, he married Marvella Mars in Orange City, and they made their home in Ireton. In August of 1972, they relocated to Hospers, where they established Fred’s Plumbing and Heating. Working together with children, grandchildren, and many wonderful employees, they expanded the business over the years. Fred enjoyed his work and was very active in the community, always promoting growth and embracing new technology. He was still working in the “shop” everyday; he will be greatly missed.

Fred was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. His greatest love was his family, and he enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include his wife of sixty years; four children and their spouses: Mary and Jim Popma, of West Des Moines, Mark and Pam Falkena, Nancy (Jungers) and Mike Thompson, and Sarah and Dean Otto, all of Hospers; thirteen grandchildren: Angel, Christine, Shawn, Molly, Amanda, Kristopher, Timothy, Eliot, Cara, John, Ashton, Sierra, and Chloe; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Abe (Bonnie) Falkena, Evert (Barb) Falkena, and Andrew Falkena; and a sister, Coba Hulshof.

He is also survived by Marvella’s family: four brothers and a sister, Gary (Hendrene) Mars, Darlene (Stanley) Ekdom, Don (Audrey) Mars, Bob (Sue) Mars, and Randy (Wanda) Mars; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Jager; and a brother-in-law, Marion (Betty) Vande Brake.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jerry Jungers; a brother-in-law, Everett Hulshof; and Marvella’s family, two brothers and two sisters: Lige Mars, Gertrude Vande Brake, June (Clarence) De Vos, and Jerry (Sandie) Mars; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Mars.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Hospers Firefighters Association and the Hospers Ambulance Service.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.