Elvira Falkenhagen, age 78 of Dickinson, North Dakota passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at her home. Elvira’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., MDT, Friday, July 24, 2026 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Fairview, Montana with Fr. Jim O’Neil as celebrant. Interment will follow at Mondak Fairview Cemetery, Fairview. Visitation will be Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. MDT at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.
Elvira Sendejo was born April 28, 1948 in Crystal City, Texas, the daughter of Jesus and Micaela (Palacio) Sendejo. She and her family lived in the area until she was around the age of 15. They worked as a family in various places around the country. While traveling and working with her siblings, she came to Fairview, where she met the love of her life, Ed. After several years of dating, they were married on September 30, 1967, in Owatonna, Minnesota. Together they built a beautiful life filled with the blessings of four children: Ann, Sandy, John, and Amanda. They lived in rural Cartwright, North Dakota, until their oldest daughter started school in 1974, then moved to Fairview, where they farmed with the Denowh Family. They later started their family farm. Elvira was always willing to jump in to help. When she wasn’t cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, or canning she was helping in the fields driving tractor, hauling hay, or driving trucks. Mom was the anchor of our family. She will be lovingly remembered for her homemade tortillas, enchiladas, pies, and canned goods. Her truest pride and joy was her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness. Mom always had words of wisdom and truthful advice whether you wanted it or not.
Elvira is survived by her husband, Ed; children, Sandy (Marty) Johnson of Malta, Montana, John (Blair) Falkenhagen of Fairview, and Amanda (Ryan) Adamic of Hartford, South Dakota; grandchildren, Matt Johnson of Laurel, Montana, Meghan (Aaron) VanValkenburg of Hogeland, Montana, and Hendrix and Axton Falkenhagen of Fairview; great-grandchildren, Emma, Owen, and Theodore VanValkenburg of Hogeland; siblings, Raquel (Maurico) Cardenas of Crystal City, Texas, Jessy (Hella) Sendejo, and Robert Sendejo, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Ann; siblings, Leo, Lupe, Johnny, and Mike.
She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
