His father was a farmer, and after leaving secondary school in 1908 Facklam also worked in the agricultural sector for several years.
Artistic training was interrupted by the outbreak of war at the end of July 1914 and four years of military service.
However, from 1919/20, on the recommendation of Carl Malchin (1838-1923), he pursued his studies with Franz Bunke in Schwaan, also spending time at the Arts Academy in Weimar where he remained till 1923.
In 1930, together with his friend and fellow artist Richard Zscheked (1885-1954) he established an art school at Schwerin.
Facklam was a member of the German National League of Visual artists until the organisation was abolished directly following a change of government early in 1933.