Obituary of William Brink Faulkner

Faulkner, William Brink, 94, of St. Paul entered into eternal life on July 3, while in Moore, OK. Born in Great Falls, MT in 1927 to Nira and Henry Faulkner. Bill grew up in Oklahoma City, served in the US Navy in WWII, and began his career in the steel business in Oklahoma before moving to Minnesota in 1968. Preceded in death by his siblings Jan and Jack, his parents, and his infant son Joseph. Survived by loving wife of 63 years, Leveda (Carroll), children Richard (Sandy), Mark (Sue), Sr. Maria, Molly (David Meyer), and Bill (Erica), grandchildren Shannon, Joseph, Matthew, Peter, Eleanor, Theresa, Katharine, and William, and many loved ones. Bill worked as an executive for Maken Fabricating Co., American Hoist and Derrick, and his own consulting and export-import firm. He once said of his career, "It was all for the family." He served his community, leading the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, the St. Paul Rotary Club, Salvation Army, and Minnesota Diversified Industries. He served on the boards of United Hospital, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul Riverfront Commission, American Red Cross, Eastern Heights State Bank, State Bond and Mortgage Co., Serra Club of St. Paul, 2 Community Colleges, St. Thomas Academy, Visitation School, the Church of St. Luke, and 2 US Dept. of Commerce Committees, the American League for Export and Security Assistance, and other organizations. Bill was the consummate Christian gentleman - he loved and was devoted to his God, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He had the gift of "presence", and thoughtfully engaged all those with whom he came in contact. This was particularly true with children, who uniquely understood his strength, steadiness, and kindness. He was a leader professionally, civically, and philanthropically – he epitomized servant leadership to those around him, especially his family and many cherished friends. He will be sorely missed, but his loved ones are grateful for his long, still-felt presence in their lives. Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 am Friday, July 9, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in St. Paul, with Rosary in church at 9 am. Interment immediately following at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StThomasMoreStPaul/). The family sincerely thanks the Little Sisters of the Poor and staff, as well as the St. John Paul II home of the Gospel of Life Disciples, for their dedicated care. Memorials preferred to St. Thomas More Catholic Church (St. Paul), Little Sisters of the Poor (St. Paul), and Gospel of Life Dwellings (Moore, OK). Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 am Friday, July 9, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in St. Paul, with Rosary in church at 9 am. Interment immediately following at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/StThomasMoreStPaul/).