Kermit Charles Falkenstein

Kermit Charles Falkenstein passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 11th, 2023 at 
the amazing age of 100 years, two months, and three days.

Preceded in death by his first wife Patricia Jane Cook and survived by his second wife Gloria 
Margetich, son Kent (Bridget), and daughters Mardy Fellenz (Tom), and Kimberley Toscano (John), and 
grandchildren Eric and Jessica Falkenstein, Madison and Jocelyn Fellenz, Anthony Toscano (Izzie) and 
Michael Toscano (Madalyn) and great grandchild Gianna Belle Toscano, many nieces and nephews, and 
stepchildren Greg Margetich (Leslie) and Theresa Margetich Morton (Paul), and step grandchildren Eli 
Margetich, Alexandra Morton and Danielle Morton.

Kermit was the youngest of five children, born in Oakland, California on October 8, 1923 to Willis 
and Bessie Falkenstein.  Growing up during the Great Depression was very difficult.  After his 
father Willis lost his job, they lost their home and the family struggled to make ends meet.

Kermit joined the Army after high school and was sent back East to boot camp. In 1944 he shipped out 
of San Francisco on a troop carrier with 6,000 soldiers bound for New Caledonia in the South 
Pacific. He was later stationed in the Philippines and finally Japan in 1945. After the war, Kermit 
returned to Sacramento and began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a claims 
adjuster where he met and married Patricia Jane Cook in 1950.

In 1965, Kermit started his own company, K.C. Falkenstein Independent Insurance Adjusters, where he 
met many people in the industry who would become life-long friends.

Growing up in the Bay Area, Kermit loved the ocean. As the family grew, Kermit and Patricia would 
often spend summers in Santa Cruz which became something of a family tradition.

Shortly after retiring in 1990 Patricia, his beloved wife, passed away. But Kermit was fortunate to 
find another life partner and remarried in 1993 to Gloria Margetich.

In retirement Kermit enjoyed golfing, was active in SIRS and had more time to spend on his sailboat. 
He continued to play golf into his 90's, but injuries from his younger years slowed him down. When 
asked about his latest round of golf he always said his game was improving.

Kermit had a warm personality with a positive outlook on life and made friends easily. He was always 
willing to stop and chat and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. 

Kermit was an inspiration to us all and was deeply loved. Kermit will be missed by many.
 
A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 12, 2024 at 11:00 at the East Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary Chapel, 4300 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95819.