Sally Falb

Sally Falb, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa.  

She lived 80 wonderful years and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. 

A woman of style, beauty, and grace, Sally’s great sense of humor, strong sense of fashion, and zest for life were just a few of the many qualities that endeared her to people.  

She was born Sarah Anne to parents Robert and Grace (Burt) Mahan on Sept. 27, 1938, in Newton, Iowa. 

Sally graduated from Newton High School in 1956 and went on to earn a degree in home economics from the University of Iowa in 1961. 

She married John O. Falb on July 11, 1959, at United Methodist Church in Newton, and the couple enjoyed almost 60 years of love, friendship and adventure over their many years together. 

On July 11, 2016, they renewed their vows at the same church, surrounded by friends, family and the music that was so much a part of their lives.  

Sally enjoyed an extensive and diverse professional career. She began her life as homemaker and mother to her three children. Later she worked as a respiratory therapist at Palmer Memorial Hospital in West Union, a position she held for five years.

Eventually, Sally found her niche in the economic development field, first working as the director of the West Union Chamber of Commerce and eventually being appointed to serve as the Fayette County Economic Development director.  After retiring from that position, she served as the City of Oelwein’s Economic Development director for six years. 

She also served on several local and state boards, including 27 years on the board at Prairie View Residential Care Facility in Fayette. In addition, Sally served 25 years on West Union’s Heiserman Memorial Library Board, including as its president.  

  Sally eventually retired at the age of 76.

In her free time, Sally enjoyed shopping, time with friends, watching sports, reading and solving crossword puzzles. She and John enjoyed many years as season ticket holders at the University of Iowa football games.  

Sally was always happiest surrounded by the people she loved. Her family is grateful for the many years of love and support they enjoyed with Sally and for all the people who enriched her life with joy and friendship. 

Sally is survived by her husband, John, of West Union, Iowa; three children, John R. Falb of Minneapolis, Minn.; Kristan (James) Burkart of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and Amy (James) Edwards of Chicago, Ill.; four grandchildren, Isabel and Sophie Young, Chad Burkart, and Courtney (Conor) Fraser; two great-grandchildren, Declan and Lily Fraser; two brothers, Gary Mahan of Bettendorf, Iowa; and Charles (Sue) Mahan of Huntley, Ill.; a sister, Carol Hockaday of San Carlos, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Myra Mahan of Palm Springs, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Grace Mahan; a brother, Robert Mahan; a brother-in-law, Curt Hockaday; and a sister-in-law, Carol Mahan.

Please join Sally’s family for a celebration of her wonderful life. 

Visitation was to be held 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa. 

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018) at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa.  The Rev. Don Best will serve as the officiant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sally’s honor may be made to West Union Community Library or the West Union Recreation Foundation.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.    51u51