Eddie Falla

Eddie Leonard Falla

Eddie was the son of J.M. (Maurice) and Eva M. (Schwan) Falla. He was the fourth of five children and was born in Havre, Montana, November 21, 1943. He died in Conrad, Montana, June 8, 2015. He spent his early years with his parents and siblings on the family farm north of Inverness, Montana. Later the family moved to Inverness and Eddie attended 12 years of school there.

After graduation he joined and spent two years in the Army. He worked on the family farm and for various farmers in the Inverness area and at Boeing in Seattle before coming to Conrad to work in the oil fields. He also owned and operated apartment units until retirement. After retiring, he loved fishing and working with wood; his favorite was the diamond willow. He made many canes and furniture from that wood but he enjoyed creating furniture out of any used wood he got his hands on. Eddie spent many hours at the community garden and taking care of his yard.

On July 5, 1974, he married Eileen (Rifenberick) Jochems and helped her raise her four children. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, their four children, Joe (Selina), Lisa (Adam), Dale (Cathy) and Monica (Jeff), all of Conrad, and by twelve grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Beverly Moog of Inverness and Julia White of Granbury, Texas, brothers, John (Cathy) Falla of Federal Way, Washington, and Tom Falla of Lima, Montana.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Cole, and two brothers-in-law, Vern Moog and Randy May.

Vigil services were held on Sunday, June 14, at 7 p.m. at Pondera Funeral Home. The funeral mass was held Monday, June 15, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Burial with military honors followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetary. Donations may be made to the Community Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 743, Conrad, MT 59425.