Charles E. “Chick” Falk Jr., 85, of Atchison, Kansas, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Mayo Clinic – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Church in Atchison, with the Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB, as celebrant.
A parish rosary will be held Monday, November 9, at 5 p.m. at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home in Atchison, with visitation following until 7 p.m. Burial will be at Alderson Cemetery.
Chick was born January 6, 1941, in Lancaster, Kansas, the son of Charles Joseph Falk Sr. and Bertha “Birdie” (Watowa) Falk. He attended Shannon Hill School for eight years and graduated from Atchison County Community High School.
He married Donna M. Noll on May 15, 1965. The couple had four children: Michael, Mark, Rick and Kristy. They later separated.
On May 13, 1994, Chick married Linda Haas Kenyon and helped raise her two sons, Jake and Jonathan.
Throughout his life, Chick worked as a farmer, cattleman and in soil conservation and earthmoving construction. His work continued through Falk & Sons Field Tiling, where he enjoyed projects involving excavation and digging. Later in his career, he assisted his son Rick in the plumbing business.
He remained involved in farming for many years, helping with planting and harvest. As he grew older, he continued visiting family members working in the fields and at the shop.
Chick also dedicated 45 years to the Shannon Township Fire Department, volunteering from 1973 until 2018. He took pride in helping his neighbors during emergencies.
Although he valued his work and community service, family remained his greatest priority. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, whether in the fields or at home.
Christmas held special meaning for Chick, who spent many years portraying Santa Claus and bringing holiday cheer to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and others.
Known for his humor, storytelling and friendly personality, Chick enjoyed sharing memories of his childhood and the many experiences of his life. His family remembers his ability to find happiness in life's simple pleasures and the lasting memories he created with those around him.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Falk; his children, Michael (Laura) Falk, Mark (Susan) Falk, Rick (Brandee) Falk and Kristy (Rob) Williams; his stepsons, Jake (Jennifer) Kenyon and Jonathan Kenyon (Mike Norton); 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one expected great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Kenneth Falk and Lorraine Rose Falk; and a stillborn grandson, Kyle Falk.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alderson Cemetery or to the family for a future permanent memorial honoring Shannon Hill School. Contributions may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home in Atchison.
