Frederick Carl Fallin, “Voice of the Ukulele”, a resident of the historic Pullman District, Calumet City and Plainfield, IL, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2021. He was born on January 15, 1940 in Chicago, IL.
Devoted son of the late Carl and Aina Fallin; dear brother of the late Barbara (Herbert) Johnson; cherished uncle of Linda (James) Flaherty of Aurora, Karen (Kenneth) Wehrli of Naperville, Randall (Tonya) Johnson of Batavia and Mark (LeeAnn) Johnson of Plano; great uncle of Brittany (Mike) Thieis, Carly (Alex) Sampson, Tim (Vanessa) Flaherty, Kyle (Kirsten) Wehrli, Kristina Wehrli, Karson Wehrli, Kara Johnson, Matt Johnson, Tessa Johnson and Brett Johnson; great-great uncle of Mackenzie, Haydon and Cassidy Theis, Elijah and Elouise Flaherty, Kenna Wehrli and Wyatt Monaco.
Fred was a graduate of Fenger High School, Class of 1958. He earned his bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University and completed additional coursework at Roosevelt University and Purdue University. He was employed by Thorton Fractional North where he taught English, Speech and Drama.
Fred was a ukulele soloist and musicologist and performed professionally since the late 1950’s. He regularly performed with Don Ho and ukulele great Tiny Tim, Leselie Nunes, Danny Scanlon, Alfredo Canopin. He was also a close personal friend of the Kamaka Family, the great ukulele makers of Hawaii. You can learn more about Fred’s musical history by visiting the Fred Fallin Fan Club on Facebook.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at www.myeloma.org or the Historical Pullman Foundation at www.pullmanil.org
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 2, 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, November 3, 10:00 AM at the funeral home. All are welcome to meet for the final committal services at 2:30 PM at Cedar Park Cemetery in Chicago, IL.
Salvador Navarette
I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE DEATH OF FRED FALLIN REST IN PEACE FREDDIE
Conrad D. Agnos
God has another Angel? Rest In Peace friend and fellow classmate. I will always remember Fred as a classmate who enjoyed his youth to the fullest.
Conrad Agnos
Erhard H. {bud} Henke
sorry to hear of Fred's passing. he was always a happy person and brought smiles and good times where ever he went, Bud Henke
John W. Broadhead
Lost another graduate of the 58' year class. Sad, I did not keep up with Feddie but am sadened by this news.Life is short. RIP.
John Broadhead,Dallas Texas
Gail J. Rock (Cunico)
I was so sad to hear of Fred's passing. He was such a happy, talented person. He will be missed by many. Rest In Peace, dear friend.
Judith J. Blodgett (Licata-Herman)
I didn't know Freddy well, but who could ever forget him? He was an original one off who will be missed by many, many people. It's people like Freddy who's passing seems to make the world a smaller place. Rock on, old friend, Judy Blodgett Licata Herman
Connie Chiappori (Wallace)
So sad to learn of Fred's passing last week. My deepest condolences to his extended family. I so enjoyed my several visits with him over the years when he lived in Pullman. We laughed and reminisced a lot about our high school years, his ukelele ( he tried to teach me!), antiques and the history of the Pullman area. Freddie was a walking encyclopedia of anything Pullman, besides his love of music. I purchased an antique lamp from Freddie that came from one of the Pullman dining cars. He converted it to an electric table lamp for me. His enthusiasm for anything relating to the ukelele, his wonderful shows, and his historical knowledge of Pullman will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Fred, but keep the other angels entertained!
Rodger Hall Reed, Sr.
Fred Fallin was always in proformance mode, friendly and engaging. He had a giant heart for anything in music, as I remember he also played violin and anything with a string. He was an upbeat person, avid promoter of anything FENGER. Our senior year we participated in a 20's show at the school. Harriet Dolby and I sang a duet. Last time I remember Fred Fallin was senior cut day when we went to the Dunes. He was kind to me and I thank him for that. Somewhere over the rainbow, if we listen carefully, one can hear Fred playing joyfully and singing. Rest in eternity Frederick C. Fallin. -Rodger Hall Reed.
Raymond A. Rattary
Fred , May you rest in peace.
Ray Rattary
Carolyn Smith (Laxton)
I remember Freddie from our dances! He was a great dancer also! May he now be dancing again, with my bestie then--Angie Marcisz! God Bless all!