Peter Falk

Peter Falk Was born in Stettin, Germany in 1937 and passed away in Kaiser Hospital Vallejo on June 30th, 2012. He lived a full and happy life for 74 years. In 1958, Pete emigrated from East Germany to the United States before the Berlin Wall would have made the move nearly impossible. Once in the U.S., he settled near Red Bluff, CA with his aunt and uncle who were his sponsors to this country, and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Baker in San Francisco, he met his future wife Julianna at a Red Cross dance. Six months later they married in San Francisco, where they lived until moving to Marin where they have resided for over 42 years. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September. Julianna and Pete were married only two months before he was deployed to France during the Cold War. He served as an intelligence liaison, working with NATO. After completing his army service, Pete went to work at International Harvester and later for Gelco Truck Leasing. He was a diesel mechanic by trade, though he held several management positions during his career. About once every two years, the Falk family visited his large network of extended family and friends in Germany. Their relationship was so close that fifteen Germans flew out for his son's wedding in 2001. Regrettably, Julianna and Pete's trip to Germany scheduled for this month had to be cancelled. Pete was gregarious, funny, and loved to talk and tell stories. He was highly intelligent and knowledgeable and enjoyed a good debate. He was often heard to say, "I may not always be right, but I am never wrong." Though Pete took pleasure in 49er football, soccer was always his true passion. He played soccer during his youth in Germany, and worked as a local youth soccer official for over 30 years. He was still an active referee for Marin Country Day School, and had previously officiated games for Dixie Youth Soccer League and high schools throughout Marin with the California Soccer League. In 1996, he was awarded the CSYA Meritorious Service Award and inducted into their Hall of Fame. Model railroading was Pete's favorite hobby. He collected European model trains, and was often asked to repair those of his fellow model train enthusiasts. He was currently in the process of rebuilding his enormous train layout to enjoy with his grandson, Will. He is survived by his loving family: his wife Julianna of Novato, his son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Elizabeth, and his cherished grandson Will of San Rafael. He is also survived by his sister Christa Wollweber, his nephew Matthias Wollweber (Anke, Saskia and Erik), and his best friend Herbert, all of Germany. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Grete and Willi Falk, his aunt and uncle Hedwig and Otto Giese, and his brother-in-law, Dieter Wollweber. The family wishes to thank all those who offered support through Pete's short illness, including the staff at Kaiser CVICU in San Francisco and Kaiser San Rafael. A private celebration of Pete's extraordinary life will be held by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice .