Richard Joseph Fallert, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on February 4, 2024
with family nearby. Dick was born and raised in Crystal City, Missouri. He graduated
from Southeast Missouri State College with a degree in Marketing. He married the love
of his life, Marilyn Altenbernd in 1953.
After graduation, he enlisted in the army and served his country during the Korean War.
He started his work career at Safeco Insurance in St. Louis. Dick moved his family to
Seattle and Chicago, then back to St. Louis to further his career and support his family.
He retired from Safeco after 32 years.
Dick was a devout Catholic, and was president of the Men’s Club at his church where he
was instrumental in the creation of a sports field for the church and school.
He was an avid sports fan, and he played basketball, was a runner, and a tennis player
himself throughout his life. He loved music of all kinds and sang in both quartets and
choirs.
He traveled the world after retirement with his wife and close friends.
As a husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa he made personal cards with a poem he
crafted for each person every year on their birthday. These cards are treasured by all
family members.
He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Marilyn and five children; James Allen
Fallert (Linda), Jean Marie Goldsberry (James), Mary Catherine Wehlacz (Gayle), David
Joseph Fallert (Lorelei), and Lynn Margaret Young (Patrick). As well as 13
grandchildren; Rebecca Landholt (David), Caroline Fieser (Scott), Christine Fallert,
Laura Fallert, Jennifer Meyer (John), Theresa Beezley (Patrick), Katie Young
(Emmalea), Mallory Ansberry (Adam), Emily Young, Natalie Jackson (Drew), Jake
Young, Grace Young, and Lexi Young. And 10 great grandchildren: Trevor, Paisley,
Annabelle, Luke, Evelyn, Willow, Flora, Owen, Brooks, and Olive.
A Catholic Mass will be held in his honor on Tuesday, February 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the
Chapel at Laclede Groves, 723 S Laclede Station Rd. A reception will be held directly
after the mass in the Auditorium.
Well, not enough space here do a great guy service. Positive attitude all the time, helpful, never complained. Good tennis player and Freind. Great family.
All will miss him.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. Dick was a valued and fun-loving member of my adult choir at Most Precious Blood Church. I loved hearing about all his retirement adventures. He & Marilyn certainly lived life to the fullest. I always thought “When I retire, I want to travel like them.” (And I am trying.) Please know that you will all be in my prayers and I think of Dick and my other MPB choir members often when I’m playing songs for Mass
Dick was my “hero”. When I first got involved with the MPB Men’s Club back in the mid 80’s I met him. Even though Dick’s kids had passed through the sports program many years prior he was still up Grasso Field helping dig holes for new fencing or getting the soccer field posts up for the next season putting us “young guys” to shame with his work ethic. When he told me he was already retired when he was in his 50’s I was even more impressed. Always enjoyed talking with him and years later when I would encounter him and he would tell me he had just waked a few miles around the Mehlville track or just finished playing tennis. I am sure that all his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren saw the perfect role model to fashion their lives after. He will be missed, but we are all so lucky that he touched so many lives.
I began my 45 year career in the insurance business with Dick as my supervisor in February 1969. I always respected Dick and enjoyed working for and with him. We had a special bond I suppose because I also graduated from SEMO State.