Elton Falness

Elton Falness died Sunday, September 14, 2025 at his home in Dawson at the age of 92.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Dawson. Rev. Herb Rotunda will officiate and interment will be in the Dawson Cemetery.

Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church.

Elton Leroy Falness was born January 18, 1933 in Dawson, MN the son of Roy and Olga (Melde) Falness. He was baptized and confirmed at Lac qui Parle Lutheran Church. Elton attended school in Dawson and graduated from Dawson High School in 1951. He later attended Wisconsin School of Banking. Elton served in the US Army in Alaska from 1953 until his discharge in 1955. He was united in marriage with Betty Jean Hillerman while living in Alaska. They moved to Dawson and Betty Jean passed away on October 19, 1957. He was united in marriage with Nancy Owen June 23, 1962 at First Presbyterian Church in Dawson. Elton was a banker at Minnwest Bank for 30 years. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and served many roles. Elton enjoyed golfing, fishing and many sports. He was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; three children: Patricia (Don) Rheinhart of Bettendorf, IA, Kathleen (Denny) Negen of Lakeville, MN, and Susan (Kirk) Lindquist of Minnetonka, MN; eight grandchildren: Andrea Warnke, Erik (Brenna) Rheinhart, Emily (Tim) Cornett, Brianne (Chris) Jones, Shannon (Bren) Iramina, Mackenzie (Cole) Selliers, Kayla (Isaac Svebakken) Lindquist, and Taylor (Quinn Rohweder) Lindquist; fourteen great-grandchildren: Afton, Andrew, Owen, Azalia, Quinn, Otto, Nora, Addison, Gavin, Emerson, Tristan, Chase, Reese, and Audrey; a sister, Donna Anderson of Spokane, WA; two brothers: Roy (Judy) Falness of St. Louis Park, MN and David (Colleen) Falness of Dawson, MN; a sister-in-law, Betty Falness of Spring Lake Park, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Betty Jean; a grandson-in-law, Steven Warnke; two sisters: Delores (Curtis) Erickson and Betty Lou (Richard) Golden; a brother, Russell Falness; a nephew, Bruce Anderson; and a brother-in-law, Stanley Anderson.