Sid Falkenberry, 77, passed away, October 29, 2026, at his home surrounded by family after a 6-year battle with prostate cancer related to Agent Orange exposure. 

Born March 13, 1949 in Ava, Illinois to Otis William Falkenberry and Elizabeth Christine (Bowen) Falkenberry.

Sid joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Trico High School in 1967. He served as a Vietnamese translator and interpreter for the U. S. government from 1969 until 1975. His work took him the length of both North and South Vietnam. He participated in the peace talks in Hanoi and was one of the last to leave when Saigon fell in 1975. He was able to evacuate with Hoa Nguyen and Dao Nguyen whom he and Kim raised as their own.

He attended S.I.U. and then moved to Wheeling, Illinois where he lived until his death.

He married Thi Kim Cuc Nguyen, April 26, 1973 in Chester, Illinois. She survives along with his children, Vaughn A. (Beth) Falkenberry, Dao (Nguyen) Maranion, grandchildren: Kollin Falkenberry, Brandon (Taylor) Maranion, Danielle (Tyler) Gabriele, Faith (Jonathon) Kolweier, Jonathan Maranion, Holly Nguyen and great-granddaughter Willow Nguyen Gabriele. He is also survived by his brother Greg (Sheree) Falkenberry, numerous nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Hoa Nguyen, brothers: William, Charles, and Kenneth, and sisters: Edith Koch and Mary Lehr.

It was his wish to be cremated with burial at Glenn cemetery of rural Ava. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America at vva.org.