Marian Frances Falkner, age 95 years, died on Thursday, December 8 ^th at the Prairie Cottages for Seniors in Alexandria.  Marian was born on May 13 ^th , 1921 in Sioux City, Iowa to the parents Myrtle (Bays) Shallers and Frank Shallers.  In 1928, the family moved to a farm in Grove Lake Township, Pope County. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1939.  Following high school, Marian worked as a secretary in Glenwood. Marian married George Falkner on August 23, 1941 in Watertown South Dakota.  Marian and George returned to the Falkner family farm where together they operated the farm, originally homesteaded in 1868 by George's grandfather.  When, due to illness, George was no longer able to manage the farm, Marian continued her role on the farm with their son George "Buster" Falkner.

In addition to her contribution to the farm operations, Marian also continued her profession as a legal secretary, initially in private law offices and later in the Pope County Justice offices until her retirement in 1990.  She also served on the Glenwood Hospital Board as a representative of Grove Lake Township.  Marian will be remembered as a gracious and thoughtful woman who nurtured many long standing friendships. Most notable were her enduring close friendships with many high school classmates.

Marian is preceded in death by her parents; George, her husband for 58 years, who died in 1999 and a daughter-in-law, Nancy Falkner.

Although Marian had no siblings she created a family of descendants that included three generations of siblings.  She is survived by her daughter Dr. Bonita Falkner of Philadelphia and her son George "Buster" Falkner of Glenwood and by three grandchildren; Nicole Cossrow, Julian Herczfeld, and Jennifer (Trevor) Larson; and by seven great-grandchildren; Blake, Brooklyn, Benjamin, Alexander, Sebastian, Georgia, and Oliver.  Oliver, the youngest, is the only great grandchild that Marian was unable to meet in person.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 16 ^, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Joe Vandeberg officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.