Farrington, Michael James 1935 - 2025

FARRINGTON, TIEDTY, KOENIGSFELD, WACHA, SMITH, MOSES, KARSJENS, GOODALE, MARINER, ROTH, CURRY, CLAPSADDLE, THOMAS, ROGERS, BLAAS, REINDL, PORTER, EVERMAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/8/2025 at 11:19:11

Michael James Farrington age 89 of Elma, IA, died Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Colonial Manor of Elma.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 10, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church with Telesphore Dusabe officiating.

Interment will be held at Elmwood – St. Josephs Cemetery in Mason City with Lucas Wacha, Max Wacha, Parker Mariner, Trystan Mariner, Jaylon Moses, Nick Wacha, Jack Wacha, and Jason Porter serving as pallbearers. Larry Kolpeck and Mike Riendl will be serving as honorary pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma. Rosary will take place at 1:45 p.m. and Memory Sharing at 4:45 p.m. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Monday at the church.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma has been entrusted with arrangements.

Born on July 11, 1935, to James and Lisette (Tiedt) Farrington, Mike grew up in Oelwein, Iowa, attending Sacred Heart School before graduating from Oelwein Community School. After high school, he began working for the Chicago Great Western Railroad until a layoff led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served on the USS Gregory from 1956 to 1960. Upon returning home, he worked at John Deere in Waterloo before rejoining the railroad in Oelwein. His dedication and strong work ethic earned him a promotion to Mason City, where he worked as a railroad agent and built lifetime friendships.

It was in Mason City that Mike met his first love, Teresa Koenigsfeld. They married on April 15, 1967 and shared 32 wonderful years together until her passing due to health complications. Though deeply saddened, Mike found love again with Elaine (Smith) Wacha, and they married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Lourdes, Iowa on September 3, 2004. Through this union, he became a devoted stepfather to seven children and a proud grandfather to many—each of whom he loved as his own.

He and Elaine enjoyed traveling and cheering on their grandchildren at basketball, football volleyball, and especially enjoyed watching grandson Michael Wacha’s baseball games. Whether sharing a story, cracking a joke, or enjoying breakfast at his favorite spot, Klunder’s in New Hampton, Mike brought a smile and joy to those around him. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish, the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, and the Elma American Legion Post #597.

A man of unwavering Catholic faith, Mike never missed a night of prayer and led by example with kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor. He gave generously and loved an opportunity to buy a drink or breakfast for those in his company. Mike always had time for a good conversation.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; three sons: Tom (Karen) Wacha of Texarkana, Texas, Dan (Marni) Wacha of Elma, Iowa, and Kenny (Michelle) Wacha of Huxley, Iowa; four daughters: Peg (James) Moses of Urbandale, Iowa, Karen Karsjens (Grant Goodale) of Hiawatha, Iowa, Nancy (Steve) Mariner of Mason City, Iowa, and Kathy Wacha of Elma, Iowa.

He is also survived by his sisters, Veronica (Tom) Roth and Virginia (Harv) Curry, Sister in Law, Paula Farrington, along with many Farrington and Koenigsfield nieces and nephews.

Mike was the best Grandpa to his grandchildren; Michael(Sarah) Wacha, Lucas(Sam) Wacha, Brette Wacha, Charley Clapsaddle, Molly Thomas, Jade (Mary) Rogers, Lexi Rogers(Noel), Jaylon Moses, Whitney (Adam) Blaas, Lindsay Karsjens, Haley (Kraig) Karsjens, Megyn(Avery) Reindl, Abby (Justin) Mariner, Parker (Lia) Mariner, Trystan Mariner, Max (Vanessa) Wacha, Mayson (Jace) Wacha, Molly (Jay) Wacha, Kandice (Eric) Porter, Jason Porter, Nick Wacha, Jack Wacha, Olivia Wacha, Leo Wacha, and to his 13 great-grandchildren; Carson, Bentley, Solomon, Marcia, Jacklyn, Chandler, Chase, Wynsten, Jett, Lincoln, Beckham, Henry, and Harvey all of whom he loved unconditionally.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Teresa, his sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Al Everman, and his brother, Dennis Farrington.

Mike’s life was a story well lived—one filled with faith, love, laughter, and countless cherished moments. Those who knew him were truly blessed, and his legacy will continue… as Michael would always end his conversations- “Bye for now.”

Source: Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home database