Ernest F. Falkenberg
Ernest “Ernie” F. Falkenberg, 84, of Independence, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Dove Healthcare West, Eau Claire.
Ernie was born July 31, 1941, to Carl and Rose (Jiskra) Falkenberg in Cadott, WI. He attended schools in Cadott, Elenor, Holcombe and Cornell before joining the U.S. Navy at the age 17. He 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, October 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 & 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 license. He eventually bought a small airplane that he flew to Cornell for family visits.
After Ruth passed, April 17, 1971, Ernie moved his family to Cornell, WI, 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, Ernie 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 WI, MN, and IA, and traveling all over the U.S.
Ernest is survived by his “Sweetie” Janet Kampa; his daughters: Toni (Kevin Dobbs) Zimmerman and Carmyn (Steve) Sime; and 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; great grandchildren: Penelope and Phoebe Falkenberg, Jace and Kora Zimmerman, Desmond and Holden Williams, & 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-in-law, Betty Falkenberg.
Ernest 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-in-law: Bob Rose, Howard McAvoy, & Greg Gardner.
A Celebration of Life for Ernie will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Lake Holcombe Lions Pavilion, 27999 Co Hwy. M, Holcombe, WI.
Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.
