Annette “Anne” Catherine Falter, 80, Westphalia, formerly of Freeburg, passed peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on April 3, 1946, to the late Alexander and Emma (Ruder) Rehagen in Jefferson City.
She graduated in 1964 from Fatima High School in Westphalia. Anne earned her associate’s degree in business from State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and nearly completed a master of divinity degree from Loyola University in Chicago, Ill.
She was united in marriage to Norbert Lawrence Falter on June 26, 1965, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg.
Anne was employed with the State of Missouri for most of her career, working for the Highway Patrol, Department of Corrections at the old State Penitentiary and retiring from Employment Security. She also worked at O’Hara Travel. In addition to full-time employment, Anne operated her own tax business, Anne Falter Tax Service, for over 40 years as well as alongside her husband to operate and sustain the family farm.
She devoted her life to educating herself. Anne loved to read, pray, garden, collect antiques, travel and spend time with others. Anne and her husband traveled nationally, as well as internationally, including a special pilgrimage to Medjugorje.
Anne and Norbert opened their home to anyone in need and hosted multiple foreign exchange students.
While her children were young, she served on the Home and School Board and as a 4-H leader. Anne also worked as an EMT for Maries/Osage County Ambulance District. She was active in the community as a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Ann Sodality, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Freeburg and Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary in Argyle as well as being involved in many prayer groups and being a part of a Catholic charismatic group.
Anne had a very giving nature, performing small acts of kindness without fanfare. She always noticed the small, yet beautiful things in life and took pleasure in the simple things.
Anne was preceded in death by parents, Alexander and Emma; brothers, Frances Rehagen and Jerome “Jerry” Rehagen; and brother-in-law, Leander Falter.
She is survived by husband of 61 years, Norbert; children, David Falter, Steven Falter and wife Sharon and Michael Falter, all of Freeburg, Debra Deeken and husband Mike of Loose Creek, Amy Libbert and friend Matt Kemna of Wardsville and Tricia Burkardt and friend Joel Porath of Freeburg; grandchildren, Clayton Libbert and wife Caley, Dylan Falter, Kyle Deeken and friend Abbie Kemna, Nicole Deeken, Sydney Falter, Curtis Deeken and Raleigh and Seeley Burkhardt; and great-grandchildren, Henley, Abraham “Abe” and Millie Libbert; sisters,Teresa Falter and Janet Waer and husband Lee; sisters-in-law, Joan and Lorraine Rehagen; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg, with Rev. William Debo officiating.
Interment was in the Holy Family Cemetery in Freeburg. Pallbearers were her grandchildren, Clayton Libbert, Dylan and Sydney Falter, Kyle, Nicole and Curtis Deeken and Raleigh and Seeley Burkhardt.
Memorial contributions suggested for Holy Family School Expansion Fund and masses.
Arrangements entrusted to Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna.
