Donald "Don" Charles Fall

Donald Charles Fall, 73, of Crookston, MN, passed away at RiverView Health in Crookston on Sunday, March 24, 2024, with loving family at his side. 

Don was born in Bemidji, MN on January 12,1951 to Robert and Marie (Forkenbrock) Fall. He attended St. Philip’s Catholic School through the 8^th grade followed by Bemidji High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. Don then attended Bemidji State University where he formed many good friendships that only grew stronger over the years.  

In 1972 Don moved to Crookston where he worked at Brent’s Music and Hugo’s for a short time. He began his best life at this time when he met the love of his life, Patrice Falkingham. Don and Patrice were united in marriage on April 7^th, 1973, in Browns Valley, MN. This spring they would have celebrated 51 years of marriage, two best friends walking side by side. 

In 1973 Don started a job that truly was his calling in life as for 34 years he became a 911 dispatcher for the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. During much of this time he also served part-time with the Fertile Police Department. 

Don and Pat were blessed with the births of their 2 children, Ben and Anne. He loved being a father and loved his children unconditionally. His greatest gifts were yet to come; his grandchildren- Lennon, Odin and Marie Prudhomme brought him so much joy. He was blessed to see them every day and was proud to share what he taught them; everything they should know and everything they shouldn’t know.

Despite his occasional stern exterior and cutting but hilarious remarks and stubbornness, there is actual evidence that he was a loving, giving and caring person. That evidence is shown by the deep sorrow and pain in the hearts of his family and friends. The courage and humor he provided during the most unlikely moments were crucial to his inimitable personality. He had a good life and a peaceful death, but the years of transition brought us memories that we will cherish forever.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Patrice; son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Erin Fall of Twin Valley, MN; daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Randy Prudhomme of Crookston;  3 precious grandchildren: Lennon, Odin, and Marie Prudhomme  of Crookston; brother and sister-in-law: Mike and Vicky Fall of Cold Spring, MN; sister-in-law, Eleanor Falkingham of Browns Valley, MN; brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Bonnie Falkingham of Eden Prairie, MN; and his nieces and nephews:  Amanda (John) Thomas, Roberta (David) Frahm, Carmen (Matt Goodhart) Hills, Austin (Leah) Falkingham, Karen (Jeremiah) Larsen, and Amy (Will) Barnett; and his many friends including those in law enforcement throughout the area.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Marie Fall; parents-in-law, Wayne and Marrion Falkingham; brother-in-law, Mike Falkingham; and nephew, Erik Falkingham. 

God Bless the memory of Donald Charles Fall.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial honoring Don’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, with Msgr. David Baumgartner, presiding. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, April 5^th, from 5-7:00 p.m. in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home with a prayer service and memory sharing at 7:00 p.m. Both services will be livestreamed by going to Don’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. The Funeral Mass will also be livestreamed at www.crookstoncathedral.com. Inurnment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston later this spring. Messages of condolence may be given to Patrice and family on the funeral home website as well.