Lowell “Bud” Falde, age 77, of Beldenville, Wis., passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Hudson Hospital after a battle with CMML, a form of leukemia.
Lowell was born on June 7, 1948, to Gaylord and Naoma (Nelson) Falde in Baldwin, Wis. He was raised on the family farm in Martell Township, where his life was rooted in hard work, faithfulness, and deep connection to the land and animals. That farm was more than where he lived; it was who he was.
He attended Cloverdale School as part of its final class and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1966, where he served as FFA President and received the Wisconsin State Farmer Award. He continued his education at UW–River Falls, earning a bachelor’s in animal science. While there, he became a charter member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity; something he would later joke was where he truly “majored in foosball.”
In early 1974, Lowell met Jodie Stewart while skiing at Birch Park. They were married on Dec. 28 of that same year at West Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola, beginning a marriage marked by commitment, partnership, and love. Together they raised three children: Nathan, Nicolas, and Noelle.
Farming was not simply Lowell’s occupation, it was his calling. He farmed for many years alongside his father, Gaylord, and his brother, Terry, and never had the desire to retire. Even in his later years, he continued working the land he loved, farming alongside Terry, his son Nate, and his grandsons, Colton and Camden. Being part of three generations farming together was one of his greatest joys.
Lowell found happiness in life’s simple, steady rhythms: morning coffee with the guys in the shop, sharing meals and stories with friends, time with family at the cabin on Big Lake in Osceola, and trips to Hawaii, though he might admit he needed a little convincing to take them. Always enjoying the stories of the Wild West from his childhood, Lowell often enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour books and rewatching old westerns, with stoic hero John Wayne being his personal favorite.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Naoma Falde; his in-laws, Alan and Jean Stewart; and his brother-in-law, Jim Stewart.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jodie; his children, Nathan (Melissa) Falde, Nicolas (Kathryn) Falde, and Noelle Falde; and his grandchildren, Caitlyn, Avery, Colton, Camden, and Harper, who brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his siblings, Terry (Noreen) Falde, Nola (Cal) Wilkens, and Jodi (Tim) Wiff; his sister-in-law Kathy Stewart (close friend, Gary Zappa); along with many extended family members, dear friends, and his faithful canine companion, Rosie.
Lowell was known for his quiet strength, quick wit, steady presence, and deep loyalty, the kind of man who didn’t need to say much to be deeply respected and loved. His life was marked by integrity, a deep affection for the animals and land he tended, and a love that was often demonstrated through acts of service to those he cared for. He leaves a rich legacy, and a gaping hole in the lives of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at C3 Church in Ellsworth, Wis. Visitation will take place from 9- 11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. A private family burial will be held at Martell Methodist Cemetery at a later date.
Keehr Funeral Home, (www.keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.
