Funeral Services for Betty M. Falk, long-time Pierre resident, will be held at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 11 a.m., March 13, with Fr. Robert Lacey officiating. Betty died as a result of complications from a fall in her home. She died at St. Mary's hospital on March 10, 2008, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family, she brought her large family together and God shared his grace with all. She was proud to have lived more than half of her life in her own home, since 1963.
Pallbearers for the funeral are Wally Curl, long-time friend, Nicholas and Matthew Falk, Brian Falk grandchildren. Adam Poskozim, Chad Sebo, grandsons-in-law. Gary Jensen, dear friend. Honorary pallbearers are friends and family who loved and respected and enjoyed Betty's company.
Betty was born Betty Marilyn Hastings on March 12, 1919, in Chester, Iowa. She received her education and graduated from high school in Austin, Minn. She lived through the Great Depression and passed on many valuable lessons to her family from that experience. She met her future husband Albert G. Falk, in Austin, Minn. He saw a photo of Betty and told her mother, "that's the girl I'm going to marry."
Betty married Al on April 26, 1942, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Betty enjoyed traveling with Al as he was training for World War II at Army camps including San Diego, Calif., Abelin, Texas, Dothan, Ala., and Panacea, Fla. While Al was deployed overseas in World War II, Betty was employed by Bell Telephone Co. as a telephone operator in San Diego, Calif. and Austin, Minn. Betty always enjoyed reminiscing about experiences and friends encountered during that time.
After World War II, Betty moved to Pierre with her husband Al and they were associated with the St. Charles Coffee Shop and Dining Room from 1946 until 1950. In 1950 they built the Falcon Cafe which continued in operation under Betty's management following Al's death in 1968. In addition to the Falcon Restaurant and Lounge they also operated the Liberty Cafe in downtown Pierre beginning in 1956. Following Betty's retirement from the restaurant business, these Pierre landmarks soon disappeared.
In addition to successfully running the family businesses beginning in 1968, Betty single-handedly raised her three children who were, at the time of Al's death, ages 20, 15 and 10. She paid for and encouraged her children to receive a college education. She was very proud of their successful graduation and employment. Unfortunately, she did not appreciate the degree she received from the school of hard knocks, "she wasn't so dumb after all."
She would kid her family that quote should be placed on her tombstone. She was proud to have paid off mortgages on the businesses and home years following her husband's death. She was fiercely proud of her independence.
Upon her retirement, Betty's hobbies included traveling to see her children and grandchildren, in Lemmon, Midway, Utah, Boyceville, Wis., and Aberdeen. She enjoyed collecting antiques and was a member of Pierre Questers chapter. She enjoyed quilting for many years. She also enjoyed her long-time pet cat, Miss America, who preceded her in death in 2002 after spending 16 years at home with Betty. Miss America was frequently and fondly remembered. Betty befriended and loved Izzy the family "cat-dog." In her later years, Betty loved to read the Bible and would also fondly recall prior religious experiences.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Al; her parents, Ray and Doris Hastings; sister Maxine Ziemer; and brothers Ray Hastings Jr., Bruce Hastings and Burt Hastings.
She is survived by her daughter Lesley (Mark) Nelson, Boyceville, Wis., Ray (Dorothy) Falk, Pierre, and Dr. Alex (Annie) Falk, Aberdeen; brother Mark "Skip" (Jean) Hastings, Austin, Minn. and nine grandchildren, Ray's six adopted children, 15 great-grandchildren, and Ray's eight adopted great-grandchildren. When Betty shared her love with her family it was selfless. The vigil held for days surrounding Betty's death bed brought her family close to one another and most importantly to God, which will never be forgotten.