Helga Falk

Helga Falk, 68, died peacefully Friday, surrounded by family and friends at her home in Albany. She was born in Frankfurt, Germany, to Helmut and Charlotte Falk. The first 20 years of her life were spent in Frankfurt, where she attended school, eventually becoming a licensed bookkeeper. While in Germany, she found many lifelong friendships that still had great meaning in her life. In 1962, Helga moved with her family to the United States, where she met Gary Flake. The two married in 1963. Although they would later divorce, the marriage produced two children who were the love of Helga’s life. In 1976, Helga began working at Oregon State University, where she would work full time 28 years, only to work later in a part-time capacity until full retirement in 2005. From 2002 to 2005, Helga also worked at Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant, a job she enjoyed mostly for her opportunity to interact with people. Helga was active in her community as a member of the Albany Eagles Lodge and the American Legion. She was also active in the Senior Center, and volunteered for Dial-A-Bus. Even with all Helga’s local endeavors, she still found time for travel, a true passion of hers: the yearly Europe trip, numerous cruises, or just trips to the beach with family. Helga was equally comfortable hobnobbing in Monte Carlo or jet-boating the Louisiana Bayou. But her greatest passion of all was her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Despite her hectic schedule, she always had time for us, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Helga is survived by her children, son Joseph and daughter-in-law Corrine Flake of Dayton, and daughter Monika Flake of Corvallis; sister, Lolita Falk of Palm Springs, Calif.; grandchildren, Jackson and Maya Flake of Dayton (We will miss you, Omi); numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and many close friends. She is also survived by her longtime companion and poker buddy, Robert Schafer. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation is set for 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at McHenry Funeral Home, and a funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. The burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in care of McHenry Funeral Home.

Tributes

Helga Falk

December 8, 1942 - October 7, 2011