Walter Falke passed away peacefully in his home on January 12, 2015 at the age of 86. 

Walter was born to Esther and Earl Falke, of Hilmar, California on April 21, 1928 along with his twin brother Wallace. He had six siblings, his sister Marge Wilkey is the last surviving sibling. He was married to Afton Watson Falke on the same day as his twin brother Wallace, married Afton’s sister, Bonnie Watson Falke.

Walter was raised in Hilmar and was a steadfast participant in community activities throughout his life. He was a volunteer fireman and a PTA president in Hilmar. He supported his son’s sports and Boy Scout troop activities. Walt was a Rotary Club member, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow award.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling and savored many great memories traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Alaska and enjoyed numerous adventures. Walt and Afton loved river cruises and were grateful to sail Europe, Russia and China. Sea cruises took them to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Eastern Coast of the US and Canada. Of all these adventures, their favorite destination was home sharing activities with their family and special friends.

Walt is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Turlock Second Ward and has served there all his adult life in many capacities. He and Afton were also ordinance workers in the Oakland temple for 14 years.

Walt worked for Saunders Sheet Metal in Turlock for 23 years until he purchased the business in October of 1983. He acted as CEO of Saunders Air Conditioning and Heating until 2008, when his son Brad bought the business. He continued in a consulting role until he took full retirement at the age of 82.

He is survived by his wife, Afton and four sons. Scott Falke of Turlock; Rob Falke and his wife Robin of Avon Lake, Ohio; Matt Falke and his wife Dorothy of Hickman and Brad Falke and his wife Kristy of Turlock. His posterity includes 15 grandchildren, 9 of whom are married, and 17 great grandchildren. “Pop” loved his grandchildren and not long before his death would say, “I am happy, I am content and I am complete.”

Memorial services, under the direction of Eaton Family Funeral Service, will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (South Building) at 4300 Geer Road, Turlock at 10 am on Saturday January 17th, 2015.

Messages of condolence can be emailed to: www.eatonfamilyfuneral

service.com