Dave Falkenstein, 78

David Arlen Falkenstein, age 78, of Sturgis, passed away late Friday evening, September 3, 2021 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born April 27, 1943 in Sturgis, son of the late Edward C. and Dorothy Belle (Chapman) Falkenstein.
Dave was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1961.
On July 12, 1964 he married Phyllis VanZile in Leonidas.
David retired in 1998 from Ross Laboratories in Sturgis following 32 years of dedicated employment as a utility man. He had also worked at Falkenstein Greenhouse in Sturgis.
He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis and served as a Sturgis Rural firefighter for 17 years.
Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, working in his yard and he was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. One of Dave and Phyllis’s favorite times together were when they were on the shores of Lake Michigan in South Haven. Dave loved time spent with family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 57 years: Phyllis; four sons: Lonnie (Paul) Falkenstein of Hilliard, Ohio, Scott (Scott) Falkenstein of Farmington, Randy (Jennifer) Falkenstein of Sturgis, and Robert (Kara) Falkenstein of Sturgis; four grandchildren: Lauren Falkenstein, Nicholas Falkenstein, Seth Falkenstein and Hannah Falkenstein all of Sturgis; two sisters-in-law: Mary Lou Falkenstein and Andy (Peter) Stage both of Sturgis; brother-in-law: Douglas (Patricia) VanZile of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Carl Falkenstein and Jack (Patty) Falkenstein.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of David Arlen Falkenstein will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 11th at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow and Larry Matro will officiate.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Falkenstein’s memory consider Thurston Woods Village Memory Care Community, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamily funeralhomes.com where we encourage relatives and friends to share memories and leave condolences for the family.