Neil Falconer

NEIL D. FALCONER, 63 RENO, Nev. - Neil D. Falconer, 63, of Reno died Wednesday, March 21, 2012, in Lassen County, Calif., of injuries sustained from an automobile accident. Born May 5, 1948, in Rockford, the son of Richard P. and Irene S. (Tanner) Falconer. Graduated from Glenbard East High School, in Lombard; attended Wheaton College and Elmhurst College; served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1972; then returned to studies at Southern Illinois University receiving his bachelor and master degrees in electrical engineering and business administration. Neil's work in the Chicago area included creating one of the first electronic musical organs for the GEM Co. He then worked at Bally Corp., and Data East, designing pinball games, winning "Best Game of the Year" two years in a row. In 1999, Neil moved to Reno, taking a challenging job at IGT (International Game Technology), working with a team, designing games. His hobby was photography; Neil enjoyed visiting national parks in the west to photograph the sights, collecting many hundreds of beautiful photos. He also loved playing the guitar. Neil is lovingly survived by his parents; sister, Susan Allison of Louisville, Ky.; niece, Denise Sedlacek of Wheaton; two grandnieces; one grandnephew; four aunts; and 15 cousins. Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, in First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time; the Rev. Chuck Rife will officiate. Private burial in Winnebago Cemetery. Cremation rites were accorded. Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. Memorials may be made to Kids Around the World, P.O. Box 5225, Rockford, IL 61125 or to First Evangelical Free Church. To sign the guestbook, visit genandtfuneralhome.com.