Obituary of Harry Falkenstern
To view the live-stream and recording of Harry's funeral service, please click here
“Harry the Barber”
Harry passed away peacefully at his home in Waterloo on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in his 85th year.
Born on June 15, 1937 in Ukraine, Harry came to Canada in 1955. He was a self-employed barber in Waterloo since 1965 and a finishing cabinet maker.
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Lou (nee Thomas) in 2015. Dear father and father-in-law of Richard Falkenstern and his wife Karen and Michael Falkenstern and his predeceased wife Elizabeth (2019). Dearly loved Papa to his four grandchildren, Matthew (Mandy), Taylor (Jordan), Joshua (Gabby), and James (who predeceased him in 2021). Lovingly remembered by his great-granddaughters (his “Little Angels”) Ava and Zoey, his canine friend Bandit, and dear friend Judy Ebenhoeh.
Predeceased by his parents, Emilie (nee Ruppert) in 2005 and Waldemar in 1968, and infant brother Edwin.
Harry was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Kitchener. He was an avid hockey and sports enthusiast, supporting the Montreal Canadiens, the Toronto Argonauts, the Buffalo Bills, and coaching minor hockey for over 40 years. He was his grandchildren’s greatest fan.
The family wishes to thank everyone who provided ongoing care to Harry: PSWs Obie, Brittany, Marta, Nathan, Sarah, Tobie, and Diane, Doctors Arthur Winter, Rachakonda, A. Banarjee, Nurse Practioner Tamara, nurses Courtney, Ashley and Andra, volunteers at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, the staff at K-W Pharmacy, ParaMed nurses, and the staff of Community Care. The Falkenstern family also wishes to especially thank Harry’s daughter-in-law Karen for her enduring care and support. Harry’s wish to remain at home was made possible because of all of you.
Relatives and friends are invited to share memories of Harry during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark Ehlebracht officiating. To attend the funeral service, please wear a face mask. For those not able to attend, the funeral service will be live-streamed and a link will be available at the top of Harry’s obituary page at erbgood.com A reception in the funeral home’s Fireside Room will immediately follow the funeral service. The interment and committal service will be held at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Condolences for the family and memorial donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (through the Grand River Hospital Foundation), the K-W Humane Society, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
"A life that touches the hearts of others lives on forever."