Gary Lynn Falk

Gary Lynn Falk, 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.  Born on October 23, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the eldest child of Carl Gustav Falk, Jr., and Betty Jean McNutt.  Gary graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, IA, in January 1961 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY, in 1968.  He married his childhood sweetheart, Janet Elaine Bengtson, in August 1968, and they began their life together after moving to Southern California, where Gary earned a Master’s of Divinity degree from Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary in 1971.

Gary pastored 4 different churches in California and rural Iowa over a span of 15 years, and then he spent the next 25 years teaching and in administration in various Christian schools around the San Francisco Bay Area.  After a long career in ministry, Gary retired and returned to Southern California where he and Janet became involved in small groups within the churches they attended.  Most recently, they enjoyed being members of and experiencing life together with friends at New Life Presbyterian. 

Gary was an avid sports fan (cheering on the SF 49ers and his “hometown” Iowa Hawkeyes), enjoyed the fine art of fellowship over a flavorful meal, and appreciated scenic walks along the beach, but he loved nothing more than spending time with his precious family.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet; his sons Andrew and Peter (and their wives Amy and Krista); his grandchildren DeShandria, Drew, Aidan, Ameerah, Ryan, Emily, Cassidy, and Kelsey; and his great-granddaughter Kyler.

A memorial service for Gary will be held at 11am on Friday, April 12, 2024, at New Life Presbyterian in Escondido to celebrate his life and legacy.  For those who cannot attend, here’s the live steam link to the service:  https://youtube.com/live/2MgcIjULIVo.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Deaconal Fund:  https://pushpay.com/g/newlifepcaescondido?src=hpp

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