VIDALIA, La. &045; A long life marked by heroism and dedicated public service came to an end this weekend with the death of retired Seventh Judicial District Judge W.C. Falkenheiner.

Falkenheiner, 78, died of a heart attack Saturday morning at his Vidalia home.

A major presence in Concordia Parish’s legal system for several decades, Falkenheiner worked as a prosecutor from 1966 to 1978, then served two terms as district judge.

Falkenheiner’s peers remember him as both a savvy attorney and an effective judge.

Former Catahoula Parish sheriff Thomas Jackson said he always felt safe putting a case in Falkenheiner’s hands.

&uot;If it wasn’t a good case, he wouldn’t prosecute it,&uot; Jackson said.

And when Falkenheiner was on the bench, Jackson said he meted out justice in a firm but even-handed manner.

&uot;He was a strict judge, but he was fair,&uot; Jackson said. &uot;We don’t have judges like him anymore, I’m afraid.&uot;

Before Falkenheiner began his legal career, he served in the U.S. Army for close to a decade.

In World War II, not long after his graduation from LSU, he was taken prisoner near St. Vith, Belgium, during the infamous Battle of the Bulge.

After receiving his law degree, he served the country again, this time in the Korean War.

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said Falkenheiner will be remembered for his accomplishments in war as well as his commitment to the law.

&uot;He’s been a pillar of the community for many, many years, and he’ll be missed sorely,&uot; Copeland said.

Former Concordia Parish Police Jury president Fred Falkenheiner, W.C. Falkenheiner’s first cousin, said the man will also be remembered for his personal kindness.

&uot;He always had time for everyone,&uot; he said. &uot;He was just a wonderful person.&uot;