Wendell R. Falk, age 92, of New London, died Monday, January 21, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Funeral services and burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on January 26, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, in rural Murdock. Visitation will be Friday, January 25 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethesda Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Wendell Richard Falk was born on December 31, 1920 in Camp Lake Township, the son of August and Mamie (Anderson) Falk. He grew up on the family farm, was baptized and confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church, and graduated from Murdock High School in 1939. On June 16, 1945, Wendell was united in marriage to Ebba E. Nelson. Wendell and Ebby shared their lives on the family farm, raised three children and enjoyed 41 years of marriage. After Ebby's death in 1986, Wendell moved to Norway Lake. In 1990, Wendell married Beverly Reiners and they enjoyed 22 years together at the lake. Wendell farmed until retirement in 1982, and loved going back to the family farm to help in any way he could, even up until this last year. Wendell and Ebby established a framing and art business in the 1970's, which he continued to operate until his death. Wendell was a lifelong member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, served on the council, and was a charter member of the Bethesda Cemetery Association. Wendell was active in his community, serving on numerous boards and committees, including 17 years on the Federal Land Bank Board, 20 years on the Swift County Soil and Water Conservation Board and was a leader in the local Minnesota Farmers Union. Wendell was instrumental in the development of the Glacial Ridge Trail as one of the three initial founders of the association. Wendell was an avid sportsman, loved hunting, fishing and photographing the great outdoors. He believed in being a good steward of the land and was awarded the Minnesota Conservation Sportsman Farmer in 1969. Wendell shared his musical talent at an early age, singing and playing the guitar for special events and on the radio station in Willmar. He enjoyed collecting arrowheads, agates and gemstones along with other historical artifacts. Wendell embraced his role as a historian capturing the past with his camera and his writings. The most important part of his life was spending time with his family and friends. Wendell is survived by his wife, Beverly Falk; his children, Sandy (Bruce) Grosland of St. Cloud, Bonnie (Dale) Thurston of Santa Cruz, CA, Jim (Karen) Falk of Murdock; step-children, Kirk (Dena) Reiners of Burnsville, Monica (Dalen) Gosseling of Starbuck, Jason Reiners of Bird Island; grandchildren, Sarah and Kate Grosland, Maree and Leah Thurston, Andrew (Marnie) Falk and Eva Falk; step-grandchildren, Tanya (Tom) Pruter of VA, Alyson (Nick) Titus of Lakeville, Michelle and Lucas Reiners of Burnsville, Joshua (Megan) Gosseling of VA, Mitchell Gosseling of Starbuck; six step-great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanne (Kenneth) Johnson of Willmar, brother, Kenneth (Nancy) Falk of Ainsworth, NE; step-sister, Marlene Sonstegard; step-brothers, Ron and Greg Johnson; sisters in-law Harriet (Nelson) Erickson, Arlene Nelson and Dorothy Nelson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, August and Mamie Falk, wife Ebba Falk, stepson Grant Reiners, granddaughter Amy Falk, and many sisters and brothers-in-law and nephews.
