Michael James Farrington

michael farrington

July 11, 1935 ~ February 4, 2025

Born in: Oelwein, Iowa
Resided in: Elma, Iowa

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.

(641) 393-2461

Services

Visitation: February 9, 2025 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home - Elma
508 Maple St.
Elma, IA 50628


Mass: February 10, 2025 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Our Lady of Lourdes
17511 Lourdes Rd
Elma, IA 50628


An image showing the branch of service for Navy

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families, Mike was one of the best, his infectious wit and laughter will be missed by all!!! I won’t be able to be there as I am out of town for another week or so . Prayers 🙏

  2. Deepest sympathies to the entire Farrington/Smith/Wacha family. Mike was a fun guy to talk with. Nice man.

  3. Our deepest sympathy to you Elaine and family. Always enjoyed visiting with Mike he will be missed.

  4. Our heartfelt sympathy to Elaine and family. Your love story is beautiful to all who know you. Mike must be bringing many smiles in his heavenly home! Praying that God brings you all peace and comfort.

  5. My sympathy to you, Elaine and to your family. Mike was a good friend and neighbor for many years here on 1st Street. He is missed.

  6. Our sincere condolences Elaine and to all of your family. Mike was a great guy who enjoyed life to the fullest. May he RIP in the arms of our Savior.
    Sincerely
    Louise and Donn

  7. Mike was a great man and a better person. In the short time Kim and I got to know him, he always had a smile on his face and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed. He, Elaine and all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. So sorry to hear this. Sympathy and prayers to you all as you go thru this difficult time. Hugs from here.

  9. So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He lived life the right way and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.

  10. Elaine- I cannot believe what I am reading! Your dealing with this loss too now, among the other problems. We are so VERY,VERY sorry! Jerome & Carlene

  11. Elaine and family, my deepest sympathy to you and all the family. So sorry to hear about Mike. I will always remember his contagious smile. Hugs to all.

  12. We are so sorry about the loss of Mike. He always made us feel like family and we loved his stories and laughs. We send prayers of comfort to you all and hope Tom and Karen give the hugs we sent to you, Elaine. We love you.

  13. Eliane and family, you have my deepest sympathy. Mike was a great guy and a dear friend for many years. So sorry to hear of his passing.

  14. Mike was a good man and I enjoyed getting to know him and being around
    him when I was in the Elma area. My thoughts and prayers are for Mike, Elaine and
    Family.

  15. Elaine and family, Merle and I always enjoyed running into Mike and Elaine over the years. I’m sorry for your loss and thoughts and prayers to you all.

  16. Elaine , sorry hear of Mikes passing. Always enjoyed visiting with you too usually breakfast at the diner , from one old sailor to another, spreading BS ⚓️ back and forth .
    God bless his soul.. 🙏🇺🇸
    An old Navy farewell, saying…. “ Fair winds and a following sea”


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle