Eugene "Gene" Falkenstern

Eugene "Gene" Falkenstern, 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Gene was born in the Ukraine, a son of the late Eugene and Adeline Falkenstern. Gene immigrated to the United States of America at the age of 12, arriving to the country at Ellis Island. He went on to graduate as Salutatorian of his class at Anchor Bay High School. He also graduated from Concordia Junior Senior College as well as Concordia Teachers College, River Forest. Gene worked in schools in Detroit, Michigan and then locally as a German language and Religious Education teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School, Fort Wayne from 1961 to 1998. While at CLHS, he was instrumental in bringing the sport of soccer to local high school athletics along with other members of the community. He helped start and was very involved with the German GAPP Student Exchange Program at CLHS. In retirement, he owned and operated Falk & Sons Construction. Gene was a long time member at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. In his free time, he could be found working in his garden, grilling, or spending time with his family. Surviving family include his wife of nearly 65 years, Carolyn Falkenstern; children, John (Katherine) Falkenstern, Diane (Dan) Bultemeyer, and Tim (Christa) Falkenstern; grandchildren, Britton (Jamie), Mitchell (Kim), Eric (Shaley), Kelli (Nathan), Courtney (Jason), Joshua, Ashley, Paige, and Nathan; six great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Patterson; in-laws, Marnie Smith and Tom Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 10:00 am on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1126 South Barr Street, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, July 26, 2024 at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorials in Gene's memory may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Gathering in Christ Capital Campaign or Concordia Lutheran High School GAPP Student Exchange Program. Condolences and memories of Gene can be left online at www.hockemeyermillerfh.com