Our beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, Brenda Lee Falconer, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Brenda was born to Barney and Pearl Gulbranson on June 22, 1964 in Glendive. Raised in Miles City, Brenda was down-to-earth, fun-loving and active and particularly enjoyed bowling and playing softball. In 1987, she graduated from Montana State University with a BS in Business Management. At the time of her death, Brenda was employed by the Dept. of Health and Human Services as a Fiscal Analyst.
During her college years, Brenda began dating Rich Falconer and they were married August 29, 1987 in Miles City. Brenda was a loving, dedicated wife and ardent supporter of Rich’s passion, the Bobcats. She willingly came hours early to help set up the Miles City Tailgate Party and cheerfully put up with his antics at the games.
The greatest joy of Brenda’s life were Ryan, Nate and Teah. She was a devoted mom and was always there for the kids’ hockey, snowboarding and soccer events. She always wanted to make sure her kids were happy and selflessly went out of her way to do what she could for them.
Brenda faced her battle with cancer quietly and without complaint, resulting in many not knowing how sick she really was. But she wanted to fight up until the end for the sake of her family. However, because of her faith, she knew it would “be ok whichever way it turned out.”
Brenda is survived by her husband, Rich, of Helena, sons, Ryan and Nate of Bozeman, daughter, Teah of Helena, brother Raymond (Marline) Mattern of Seattle, father-in-law Tom Falconer of Miles City, mother-in-law Mary Lou Affleck and sister-in-law MJ Falconer of Billings and numerous aunts, uncles, niece, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends during viewing hours on Monday, May 11, from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, Helena. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 Benton Avenue with burial at Forestvale Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or an organization or charity of the donor’s choice. As one friend wrote, “We have lost one of the most unselfish persons ever; whose life was dedicated to her family; we will cherish our memories of her patented “giggle,” her love of the Bobcats and her patience with certain Bobcat Fan’s antics (Rich).”
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday May 11, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday May 11, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Rich and Family. So sorry for the loss of Brenda. Cherish all the wonderful memories you have. You are in our prayers. Bob and Sandy
Pam Bovee says
So very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. You are in my thoughts.
Julie Lab Martin says
Rich and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and orayers are with you during this difficult time.
Wes and Marjy Hardy says
So sorry for your loss. our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Hardy family
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family. May He comfort you and your family.
Celeste and Ron Askin says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Many beautiful memories and such a wonderful family.
Sharon "Stack" Stachlowski says
Rich,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss . . . Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such wonderful memories of Brenda – and some of the “stuff” we did. You both have a special place in my heart . . . You of course with baseball and Brenda with her wonderful friendship and sense of humor.
Chris Jensen Kukowski says
Rich, I am so sorry for you and your family. May The LORD bless you and keep you during this very difficult time. Wow, I can’t even pretend to know what you’re going through, but you’ll be in my prayers.
Stan and sharon clelland says
Rich and family, we are so sorry to read about Brenda. We never understand why some of these things happen. God does things we never understand, but we have to believe things happen for a reason. She was such a great gal and I pray God will put his hand on all of you and make this easier for you. Bless all of you and God Bless you and the family.
Denis & Rhonda VerBeck Leidholt says
Rich and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Many good times and wonderful memories to cherish.
Terry Goff says
Rich and family, I am so sorry to hear about Brenda. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Bowers says
Rich and family, so very sorry to hear of Brenda passing. She was the kindest, sweetest person. I enjoyed many years of softball with her and will cherish those memories. Prayers for you all.
Daniel & Beverly Soria says
So sorry for your loss.
Bill Northey says
Rich, my sincere condolences for your loss. Brenda will be missed. You and the family are in my thoughts.
Jeff Hyatt says
This is such shocking news and so sad that another classmate has passed so soon. Sending my sympathy to you and your family.
Toni Lathrop Canady says
Rich and family Please know that my thoughts and Prayers are with all of you!
Lisa Cain says
Rich I am so saddened to hear this. Our love to you all. We will talk to you soon and if you need anything please let us know.
Amber (Stone) Millay says
Dearest Falconer Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Brenda!! She was a wonderful person with good heart, and a zest for life. She was such a genuinely good person whom I have very fond memories of…High school, College, and after. She was the only person I ever skipped school with. We were such rebels…Not, but a good memory. I will never forget her!!
Becky Bard says
Rich and family. Thinking of you and so very sorry. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Marvin & Lisa Selk says
Rich and family,
We are so sad to hear the news about Brenda. You are all in our thoughts and our sincere sympathy is being sent to you. Take care!
Kay Kay (Chapweske) Nice says
Rich,
Prayers to your family for peace, strength and comfort. You will be in my thoughts.
KayKay
Wade and Jeannie Hodgson says
Rich and family. We are so devastated by the news. You and Brenda have been an important part of Wade’s life since grade school and shared so many “firsts” We will always remember your part in our wedding and the good time we all had at the 30th class reunion in Miles City and the many Bobcat football tailgates. I personally will treasure my last visit with Brenda and the giggles we had that day. You and your family are in our prayers.
Wade and Jeannie
Tory Fields says
My heart breaks for you, Rich and family…..Brenda was like a sister to me and my sisters when we were little girls! We spent many fun and loving days together and we have so many cherished memories! Brenda was a delight! A very dear, good and real person! I am so very thankful we had the chance to visit with her while she was at Mayo. I thank God for that…..she was so unselfish, not wanting to share how really ill she was to worry others! I will miss her awesome giggle and big smile! I know she loved her family so very much! May God Bless you ALL and may all your beautiful memories sustain your hearts until you meet again in Heaven! Much LOVE to each of you! ~Tory
Shelley Killen says
Rich and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. She was truly a special person. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Terri Tyler Roberts says
What great memories I have with Brenda, such a lovely soul. My deepest condolences to her family.
Steve Hathaway says
So sorry for your loss Rich…so many great memories with you and Brenda growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth (Petro) Brunk says
Rich,
My condolences to you and your family. Brenda was a beautiful person.
Janel Haggerty McCormick says
Rich-so very sorry about Brenda. As said by everyone above, we were all lucky to know her.
Gary & Ralene Wilson and Family says
We have lost one of the most unselfish persons ever; who’s life was dedicated to her family; we will cherish our memory of her patented “giggle”; her love of the “Bobcats”; and her patience with certain Bobcat Fans’ antics. (Rich)
Trinda Smith says
Brenda was so kind and sincere, and so proud of her family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Allan Broberg says
Rich
Iam so sorry to hear about Brenda,my heart goes out to you and your family.
Kathleen Gookin Ford says
Rich and Family, Sincerely sad that Brenda has passed. Prayers and strength to each of you as you go through this time of grief.
Clint and Pam Watson says
Rich and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donagene LaFromboise says
Rich,
Words cannot express my sadness for you and your families loss. Although I did not get to know Brenda as well as I did you throughout these past years the times I spent with her showed me a shining example of a loving mother and wife. She loved her children and you with the utmost devotion and loyalty and trust me she will give a bit of direction from heaven I am certain:) May you hold fast to the knowledge that you will indeed meet with her again in paradise. Blessings and love.
Brock Norris says
Rich, I am so sorry to hear about Brenda. You and your family will be in our thoughts and our prayers.
Jodie Branson says
I only knew Brenda as an awesome “MOM” and can only imagine what great qualities she brought to this world as a friend and a spouse. She was so giving and gracious to the girls from Kessler school days until the day she passed. I know we will miss her deeply and will remember her always. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Greg and Valerie Tucker says
Rich, Ryan, Nate & Teah,
You are very special friends, and it has been a real blessing to spend some priceless time together with Brenda during this last year. I’m glad we can be together right now and know that you will continue to be in our prayers. We love you guys.
Greg & Val
Kori Herzog Black says
Brenda was always such a kind person to me and always greeted me with a smile. My prayerful condolences to Rich and your family
Pat & sue Bishop says
Rich so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. Will keep you and your family in our prayers
Todd and Cami Clevenger (Nelly and Creed) says
Rich,
You and Brenda have always been there for us and our family no matter what the reason (birthdays, special events, sticky situations, even allowing us griz faithful in on that Miles City Bobcat fun.) We will be there for your family with the same kindness, thoughtfulness, and love that you and Brenda have shared and spread to so many people. As is on a wall, Brenda truly lived by the words that make up the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
Ryan, Nate, and Teah,
Your mom will live on through all of you. Through those same giggles, the same patience for Bobcat antics, the love you have for one another, the kindness you have towards others, the love and memories in your hearts. We and many others will always be here to help.
With Love
Todd, Cami, Creed, and Nelly
Ray and Sheri Clauson says
Rich and family,
We’re so sorry to hear about Brenda.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ray and Sheri Clauson
Doug Mangen says
Rich Just heard about the passing of your wife She will be deeply missed at the MC Connection tail gate party. God will be with you and all of your family during this difficult time.. God Bless Doug
Norma Johnsgard says
Rich, Ryan, Nate, and Teah……So sorry for your loss. Brenda’s kindness and patience radiated whenever I was around her and I know she was a wonderful wife and mother. Wishing you comfort and peace and memories during the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Norma
Rob Littleton says
Rich and family. Sorry to hear about Brenda’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Fillafer says
Rich and family. I never met Brenda but i heard she was a very nice lady. Very sorry for your loss. We never get over the loss of our loved ones but learn to deal with them. I’m still dealing with the loss of my dad on Feb 12 this year.
Fran OHara says
Sorry for your less – Brenda was such a sweet kind person.
Cindy, Cody and Alec says
All of you have been on our hearts and in our thoughts since we heard the news. I will so miss Brenda’s giggle, positive attitude and kind and loving spirit. Cody and Alec are missing their “2nd Mom”. I never, ever, worried about either of my boys when they were with Brenda! They couldn’t have been in better care! I think Nate and Alec tested her ‘Mom patience” a few times! 🙂 I’m so grateful for all the great memories we have. Heaven gained a most precious Angel. She had such an amazing soul! Much love to you all! (We’ll see you Tuesday)
Bryce and Cheryll Larsen says
Our hearts were broken when we read of Brenda’s death. I don’t know of any words to express our deep sadness. Without her, there is a huge hole in the lives of her family and friends. She will be missed. We spent many hours together as our boys (both grown and little) worked their magic? on the baseball diamond. I first heard that giggle when our sons were in gradeschool together, and I told her that Creath wanted to adopt Ryan to be his brother. She was beautiful inside and out! Love and peace to each of you.
Bryce, Cheryll and Creath
Linda Mattelin Snedigar says
I was so sorry to hear of Brenda’s death. I valued her as both a co-worker at HCSD and friend and always liked seeing Teah in her office after school in Teah’s younger years. She was very good at her job and a lovely, caring person on top of that. My sympathy to all of you who will miss her presence in your lives.
Annette, Tony Mahri and Nathan says
We will truly miss Brenda and we are keeping you all in our prayer. Please let us know if any of you need something. We’ll be here anytime.
Julie Frickel says
I am so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Brenda for several years. She was very dedicated and such a joy to work with. My prayers and heart felt condolences are with your family.
Dan and Kathi Tiefenthaler says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Faith in the Lord and love for each other will carry you through this difficult time. The memories will last a lifetime.
Ken and Maureen Lang says
We are saddened by Brenda’s passing, but know there is a special place with God for her. Brenda was always very kind, and often would give us that friendly smile. You all are in our prayers.
Brenda Miller says
I am so sorry for your loss- Brenda was a beautiful lady inside and out and was taken from us much too soon. May the memories of her loving life bring you comfort now and in the days to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Brenda Miller
Dona (McClung) Poeschl says
I knew Brenda from back in the early 90’s when we both worked for DHES. I wanted to share a story about Brenda that I tell quite often. She had been working for the bureau for less than a year and was pregnant with (I think) her first boy. One day, she left to go to lunch about noon, but wasn’t back at 1:00. I was a little concerned because she was always so prompt, but she called in about 1:30 and said so matter-of-fact “Well, I had my baby”. This did not make any sense… she had to repeat it to me several times, and finally, I got it; she’d had her baby in the course of about 1/2 hour. Wow! She was always so efficient, leave it to Brenda to take care of business the best way possible. I’m so sorry for your loss, Rich, and for your sons’ loss as well. She was one of the nicest, kindest, sweetest people I’ve ever met. God Bless.
Frances Carey Veseth says
I am so sorry to hear about Brenda. You are all in my prayers.
Kelly Clauson says
I’m so sorry for your loss Rich. Thinking of you and your family.
Gerald Van Campen says
Rich and family,
Wendy and I are so sorry to hear this news. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that you can cherish your memories and that you can find peace during this difficult time.
G.