Gladys Falken

Gladys L. Falken, 93, Rosholt, SD, formerly of Toronto, SD, and Estelline, SD, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017, at the Countryside Inn Assisted Living Center in Rosholt.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Officiant will be Rev. Susan Sinclair. Music will be provided by organist Holly Lunden and vocalists Keith Falken, Sheree Hogan and Buffy Kemnitz.
Burial will be in the Toronto Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chad Falken, Scott Falken, Shaun Falken, Eric Falken, Ben Heideman and Kenny Begalka.
Gladys Lucille was born August 24, 1923, to Gustov and Minnie (Giziewski) Begalka in Hidewood Township, Deuel County, SD. She attended school in rural Hidewood Township. After finishing school, she helped on the family farm.
On June 23, 1946, Gladys married Maurice K. Falken in Estelline, SD. They farmed in Deuel County for 33 years. Maurice passed away April 27, 1979. Gladys moved to Estelline in July of 1982. Later she moved to Watertown and then made her home in Rosholt.
Gladys was a member of Leganger Lutheran Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Old Time Fiddler's Association.
Gladys enjoyed music and playing piano and was an original member of the Ding-a-Lings bell choir. She also loved doing crossword puzzles, farm life, animals and the outdoors.
Survivors include two sons, Larry (Joan) Falken of Grand Junction, CO, and Keith (Bev) Falken of Rosholt; four grandsons, Eric (Jessica) Falken of Portland, OR, Chad (Anne) Falken of Aberdeen, SD, Scott (Kellie) Falken of Rapid City, SD, and Shaun (Jess) Falken of Aberdeen; and ten great-grandchildren.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Maurice; six brothers; and two sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the NE Ambulance or the National Diabetes Association.