Philip L. Falk

Rev. Philip Lynn Falk passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 after a brief illness. Phil was a retired Lutheran Pastor, having served parishes in Austin, MN and Reardan, WA. He wore his beliefs on his sleeve and practiced his theology every day, in every way. He touched the lives of many, and he always had the moment to talk with anybody. He was preceded in death by his wife Roberta, who raised a family of four children, eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. The children and their spouses are Bryan and wife Marti, with sons Jimmy and Rob, his wife Nancy, great grandson Carson; Brad and wife Marlena, with sons Aaron and his wife Rose, and Christopher and his wife Carey, with great granddaughter Lucy, great grandson Jackson and great grandson Jude; Patty and husband Paul, with sons Nels and Lars, and Mark and wife Kathy, with a son J. P. and daughter Leah.

Phil was born August 6, 1927 in Amber, WA. He graduated from Kennewick High School and then entered the Navy, serving his country. Upon honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from Pacific Lutheran College in Tacoma, WA and began a journey of multiple career pursuits until he answered the call from his Lord to become a pastor. He married Roberta in 1953. He attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, receiving his Masters in Theology. His first call was at Our Saviors Lutheran in Austin, MN as associate pastor. Five years later, he returned to Eastern Washington to accept the call as Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Reardan, WA. He remained as pastor at Emmanuel until his retirement in 1992, however his ministry continued as an interim pastor at several congregations over many years. Phil and Roberta retired at Seven Bays, Washington, and became members of Christ Lutheran Church of Egypt, WA. He was involved in many community activities, including serving as the Seven Bays representative on the Lincoln Hospital Board. Phil never stopped being the “country preacher” as he called himself, administering his special kind of care to all persons who wanted his advice, his support, his coaching, and his devout spiritual leadership.

Phil shared Berta’s enthusiasm for Gonzaga University basketball and Seattle Mariners baseball. He took special pride in rejoicing in the successes of his children, and his grandchildren. Phil was a very special dad – and he cherished his role as grandpa and great grandpa. He was a favorite uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, and a steady and loved brother to his brothers and sisters. Best of all, he was friend to us all. And he loved us all.

A celebration of Phil’s life will be Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 4:00 p.m., at Smith Gym, in Reardan, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials go to Lutheran Community Services or a new mission congregation start in the synod or Habitat for Humanity or be made to his church, Christ Lutheran (Egypt), 41697 SR 25N, Davenport, Washington, 99122. Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA is caring for the family.