Margarete Fallat, 105

Margarete (Pagenburg) Fallat was born Feb. 14, 1921, in Oppeln, Silesia, Germany. 

Her father, Peter Joseph, was a railroad administrator and her mother, Elisabeth, a homemaker. Margarete had a younger brother, Peter. Very difficult and tragic events occurred during her later childhood due to Hitler's reign of terror. 

After numerous personal losses in her life, Margarete met her husband, James Fallat, an American soldier assigned in Germany. He married Margarete and brought her to America, where they raised their two daughters, Liz and Jamie. Margarete's mother, Elisabeth, and her brother, Peter, came to live in Sandpoint in 1965.

Margarete's professional experiences included accounting, budget analyst for Thiokol Chemical Corporation in Utah and managing their Chalet motel in Sandpoint. Margarete dearly loved the USA, and was active in Republican activities locally. She was also involved in St. Joseph parish activities, including singing at Mass in the choir at Clark Fork. She had a deep love for watching her "outdoor animals" which included the deer, turkeys and stray cats that often frequented her property. She also loved having family from Utah and Washington come over during summers and holidays to visit and enjoy her home with her.

She is survived by her daughter, Liz Bertoldi (Ray), Jamie Rundhaug (Vince); six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2026. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Rob Cook officiating. Interment will take place in Pinecrest Memorial Park. A viewing for family and friends will start at 9:30 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

The family suggests that memorial may be made to Better Together Animal Alliance in Ponderay, Idaho.

Family and friends are invited to sign Margarete’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.