Donald Fallang died unexpectedly at St. Peter’s Hospital on December 26, 2010.
Don was born on September 20, 1937 in Livingston Montana to Kenneth Fallang and Alice (Muller) Fallang. He was raised in White Sulphur Springs along with brothers Dale and Bob and graduated from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1955. He participated in band, drama and football. He attended Montana State College in Bozeman before marrying JoAnn Sloan of Helena in September 1957.
He completed his education and obtained his civil engineering degree while working for the Montana Department of Highways, freelancing as a Professional Land Surveyor and raising his young family. He and his family lived in many towns in Montana, before finally moving to Helena in 1970. He retired from the Montana Department of Highways in 1986 after 33 years. He and JoAnn moved to Arizona late that same year to start a new career with Sverdrup/(Entranco). He continued working as a consultant for Entranco here in Helena, until finally retiring in 2003. He worked for Entranco for 17 years. He was responsible for designing many roads and bridges around Montana, Arizona and Nevada. His last project was just completed, the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge over the Colorado River just down from the Hoover Dam.
He and JoAnn moved back to Helena in 2000 to be closer to family and because of JoAnn’s health. She died from complications of breast cancer in 2001.
He met and married Margret (Maggie) Strizich of Helena in October of 2002. They enjoyed eight wonderful years together at their home here in Helena and including traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe, having just returned from a river boat cruise through central Europe in September.
Don had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes especially Sven and Ole jokes. He loved all things golf! He loved to play and watch golf as well as being a very proficient instructor to his family and friends. He spoke a little Norwegian, German and Dutch, learning those languages as an adult. He established and maintained relationships with his cousins in the “old country.”
He was most proud of his Masonic affiliations and the philanthropic activities associated with those memberships. He was awarded the KCCH degree in 1983 and elevated to the 33rd degree in October 2005 for exemplary service. He was a Master Mason of Diamond City Lodge # 57, Helena Scottish Rite Bodies, Algeria Shrine, Order of Eastern Star, and the Grand Cross of Color. He also served as a board member for the Helena Rainbow Girls. He was the Recorder for the Algeria Shrine from 2003-2004. He was presently serving as the Almoner for the Helena Scottish Rite Foundation.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, JoAnn and his brother, Dale Fallang. He is survived by his wife, Maggie of the family home; brother, Bob (Shelly) Fallang of Bozeman; daughters, Beverly Fallang (Daryl Hahm) of Spokane Washington , Carol (Will) Kussman of Helena and step-daughter, Sandee (Mark) Olson of Walnut Creek, California. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Robert Underkoffler and Barbara Day of Spokane Washington, Ryan and Sean Kussman of Helena, Lisa (Tim) DeFors of Seattle Washington, and Jake (Hether) Sheppard of Missoula. He also is a great-grandfather to four great –grandsons and soon would have included a great-granddaughter. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews as well as his dog Ole.
Farvel, gode reiser and se deg snart Dad!!
A memorial service will be held in the auditorium of the Consistory Shrine Temple, 15 N. Jackson at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 31, 2010 with Helena Lodge # 3 AF and AM presiding. A reception will follow downstairs.
Memorials may be made to the Shriner Children’s Transportation Fund and the Almoners Fund, P.O. Box 1174 Helena, MT 59624 or a donation of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Alan Erickson says
Maggie and Family,
We have lost a true gentleman and mentor for many. I worked with Don in his last few years at Entranco and his thoughts and guideance are still with me today. After not seeing Don for years I did catch a glimse of him and Maggie around town last month. Though I was not able to catch them it reminded me of our discussions on our Norwegian heritage, Don’s Masonic efforts, golf, and a little politics. Our thoughts are with you all, and know you have many great memories to help carry on.
Bob and Jan Braico says
To Don’s Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He will be truly missed at Friday lunch where he always an interesting story or two to tell. It won’t be the same without him. You have our sincerest sympathy.
Bob and Jan Braico
Colleen McCollister Peterson says
My prayers & thoughts are with you.
Take Care
Colleen Peterson
Elmer and Barb Cole says
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He truly knew how to get the best of life and made the day brighter for those who encountered him along the way. Our prayers are with you.
Fred Tallarico says
it has been many years since I worked with Don on various projects when I was at Entranco. I enjoyed the fun and learned a lot form Don. He will be one of those people that will stay in my memory a very long time.
Joyce Inchauspe says
Dear Maggie and Don’s Family,
Oh the world has lost one of the finest men. I was fortunate to haveworked with Don at Entranco in Helena. He was a wonderful mentor. I will miss his email humor, too.
Liz Johnson says
Maggie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was such a nice man and fun to be around. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz
Lynne Maierle says
Don was one of the “stars” of our Cardio-Pulm. unit. His wonderful smile & positive attitude were a help to everyone. It was wonderful to see how much he & Magie loved each other!
Sigmund and family says
Our deepest sympathy to Maggie and family and Ole of course. It was a shock to get the message today and I will sure miss the good talks we had on the Internet.
Best wishes from Sigmund and family from Norway.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Maggie and Don’s Family, We are so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. What a truly fine gentleman he was and he will surely be missed by so many. His great sense of humor and big smile were a gift to his many friends, we will miss his great humorous e-mails. Please know that we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. You are in our hearts and prayers.