Verlyn “Sonny” Falde, age 98, of Baldwin, Wisconsin, died Friday, October 10, 2025, at his home in Eau Galle Township.
Verlyn LaMonte Falde was born on January 8, 1927, to Fred and Mabel (Wahl) Falde on the family farm in Eau Galle Township, Baldwin, Wisconsin. He was their fourth child. He was baptized by Pastor Sven Berven on March 6, 1927. He attended Wildwood School. Verlyn was a 4-H Club member in his youth. Pastor Berven confirmed him in 1942. He was a lifetime member of Gilman Lutheran Church. He grew up learning all about farming and doing repair work. His hobby was doing carpenter work. Corner shelves and magazine racks are still being used by his family.
Verlyn enjoyed roller skating, and this is where he met his “wife to be.” She was in high school, and he was working on the home farm. For her 16th birthday, he gave her a “Sweetheart” bracelet and necklace. It was gold in color with a red stone set. They skated almost every week in neighboring towns.
On September 24, 1949, he gave her a diamond engagement ring. They were married on June 17, 1950, at Christ Lutheran Church in Menomonie. They bought a 60-acre farm not too far from his parents’ farm. He had to teach his town girl a lot about farming. They raised cattle, pigs and about 1,200 chickens.
In later years, they purchased more land. Eventually they put many acres into planting trees.
On October 5, 1952, their first child, Cindy Kay, was born. Their only son, Dennis Lee, was born on October 8, 1955. On May 25, 1960, Laurie Lynn joined their family. Vicki Ann was born on September 10, 1966. Verlyn taught his children how to help out on the farm. His oldest daughter drove the tractor when she was very young. The children all learned to drive tractors and to help with the farm chores.
In the 1950’s, Verlyn played ball with the Gilman Lutheran Men’s team. The men brought family along to help cheer them on. Their best player was the pitcher, Roy Johnson. Verlyn was also on the Men’s team from Gilman that threw darts. He was so proud one year when he had the highest score in the tournament. Many churches were involved in both ball and dart throwing.
In 1973, Verlyn and Pat bought a cottage on Lake Magnor in Clayton, Wisconsin. There were many fun times for family and friends there. They sold it in 2016.
Verlyn always did a lot of carpenter work. Their farmhouse was remodeled and an addition built on. He built their retirement house on another area of their land. This fulfilled his desire to build a whole house. They moved into it in May of 1982. After that, he built two pole sheds on the land where their home was located. In later years, Verlyn enjoyed helping with the gardening and raising berries. There were so many wild animals to contend with. They always managed to eat their share of the fruits and veggies.
Verlyn enjoyed travelling, so the couple made many trips. This started in the 1950’s when they would go to Florida. The whole family went west to see many places of national interest. Verlyn and Pat also went to Canada and back to the United States to visit with relatives and friends. In the winter, they spent time in Texas and Arizona. Other trips included Idaho, Montana, New York and Tennessee. They took many photos of their travels and of all the relatives and friends they visited. Their many travels were all done by automobile. Seeing the scenery is best done by driving. Verlyn enjoyed getting behind the wheel for those many trips.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Patricia; son Dennis; grandchildren Amy Joy Falde and Christian David Nagel; siblings: Violet (Earl) Lansing; Gordon (Jean) Falde; Harlan (Hollyce) Falde; and Gerald “Bud” Falde; in-laws: Darrel Severson and Nancy Severson.
Survivors include his children: Cindy (Jake) McGee, Laurie (Don) Bornmann, and Vicki (Tom) Nagel; daughter-in-law Jill Falde; seven grandchildren: Lisa (Don) Traun, Becky Adams, Katie (Joe) DesLauriers, Holly (Paul) Larson, Sean, Sydney, and Sara Nagel; eight great grandchildren: Nathan Traun, Addison Adams, Colten, Logan and Isaiah DesLauriers; Nathen, Ruby and Carter Larson; in-laws: Laurel Falde and Lois Severson; many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service was on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Gilman Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Visitation was Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at church prior to the service. Burial will be in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley, Wisconsin.
The family would like to thank Adoray Home Health and Hospice for all the wonderful care they have given Sonny over the last year and a half. Their love and support for him and the family had a tremendous impact on their lives.
Keehr Funeral Home, (www.keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley is handling arrangements.
