Claire Mae Falkenhagen

May 12, 1940 -

Jun 16, 2026

We are all saddened to announce our mother Claire Mae Falkenhagen passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 16, 2026, in Vancouver, Wash. Claire resided in Overton, Nev., and spent time with family in Alaska, Arizona and Washington. The family plans to meet in Talkeetna, Alaska, at the farm in summer 2027, and spread her ashes next to her beloved husband Clint. Memorial contributions can be made in Claire's name to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Association or Lung Cancer Foundation of America.

She was born Claire Mae Artz to Clair and Beulah Artz on May 12, 1940, in North Dakota, where she lived and married Clinton Falkenhagen on Dec. 8, 1956. Claire and Clint raised four children and were married almost 50 years until Clint's passing in 2006.

Clint and Claire moved to California after getting married. They returned to Fairview, Mont., eventually relocating to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1969. Claire kept the household going while Clint worked out of town for weeks and months at a time. Later, Claire worked for Sears for several years. She won an agricultural land lottery to purchase and clear several hundred acres in the Talkeetna area. Together they cleared the land by dragging a ship anchor chain attached to two Caterpillar tractors. This came to be known as the farm. After retiring, they spent their time traveling full time in a motor home throughout the West, always returning to spend summers in Alaska and at the farm.

Claire was preceded in death by both parents; and sisters, Marge Post and Gloria Gross. Claire is survived by Radine and Gary Boss from Anchorage; Michelle and Kerry Nading from Vancouver, Wash.; Craig and Diane Falkenhagen from Norfolk, Va.; and Joey and Cynthia Falkenhagen from Vancouver, Wash.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and her beloved Pomeranian, Ginger.