Ernest “Ernie” F. Falkenberg
Ernest “Ernie” F. Falkenberg, 84, Independence, passed away, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Dove Healthcare West, in Eau Claire.
Ernie was born July 31, 1941, to Carl and Rose (Jiskra) Falkenberg, in Cadott.
He attended schools in Cadott, Eleanor, Holcombe and Cornell, before joining the Navy, at the age of 17.
Ernie earned his GED and machinist mate Class A certification, and was honorably discharged, July 30, 1962.
He settled in the Twin Cities area, and married Ruth Froehlich, Oct. 19, 1963. Together, they had three children.
Ernie worked as a boiler operator during the day, and used the GI bill, to attend night school, and obtained his engineers license (commercial HVAC systems) and a degree in industrial electronics.
He loved airplanes, so he got a job at Northwest Airlines. Ernie caught the flying bug and returned to school, to get his private pilot’s license. He eventually bought a small airplane, that he flew to Cornell, for family visits.
After Ruth passed, April 17, 1971, he moved his family to Cornell, and farmed, for five years. Then, he moved to Onalaska, where he sold real estate, until he took a job with 3M, operating boilers and HVAC systems.
Eventually, he started his own business, Ernie’s Appliances, refurbishing, servicing and selling used appliances, in the La Crosse area. He operated his business until he was 81 years old!
Ernie was blessed to meet his sweetheart, Janet Kampa, March 18, 2011, at a dance hall in Galesville. They enjoyed going to polka dances, all over Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, and traveling all over the U.S.
He is survived by his “Sweetie” – Janet Kampa; his daughters – Toni (Kevin Dobbs) Zimmerman and Carmyn (Steve) Sime; his daughter-in-law – Betty Jo Falkenberg; grandchildren – Dustin (Ashley) Falkenberg, Tyler (Brittney) Zimmerman, Alyssa Zimmerman, Brandon (Melinda Noah) Falkenberg, Brooke (Greg) Williams, Caitlin Sime and Brody (Kayla Larson) Sime; greatgrandchildren – Penelope and Phoebe Falkenberg, Jace and Kora Zimmerman, Desmond and Holden Williams, and Cece Sime; siblings – Muriel Rose, Evelyn McAvoy, Carl (Judy) Falkenberg, Beverly (Dick) Paulson, Margaret Fincham, MaryAnn (Larry) Lemmo, Donna (Gary) Loring, Jan (Kevin) Westerman, Bill (Janice) Falkenberg, Leslie Falkenberg and Dawn Gardner; and his sister-inlaw – Betty Falkenberg.
He was preceded in death by his wife – Ruth, in 1971; his son – Bryan, in 2023; brothers – Eugene, LaVern, Rodger and Joe Falkenberg; his sisters-in-law – Caroline Falkenberg and Donna Falkenberg; and his brothers-inlaw – Bob Rose, Howard McAvoy and Greg Gardner.
A celebration of life for Ernie is from 1-5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7, at the Lake Holcombe Lions Club pavilion.
Online condolences may be expressed, at smithfuneralec. com.
