John Michael ‘Mike’ Farrell Jr, age 72 of Bay City died unexpectedly September 21st 2021 at his residence. Mike was born on June 17, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa; the son of John Michael Sr. and Patricia (Glynn) Farrell. He was raised in Des Moines where he graduated from Dowling High School. He would enlist in the armed forces and proudly served in the United States Air Force. He would farm with his brother, Kevin, for a short time raising hogs and crops. On October 16, 1982, he would walk down the aisle and share vows with his best friend, JoAnn Marie Stockwell, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. They would embark on a thirty-eight year union that was blessed with two children. Mike was a truck driver most of his life. Many will remember him hauling wood for Eli’s Lumber as well as his own routes. He retired in 2014 from Neufeldt Industrial working in their fabrication department.

Mike loved his little slice of heaven in Bay City. He loved the outdoors; hunting with the guys at the deer shack near Cushing, prairie dog hunting in South Dakota, or finding an elusive javelina in Arizona.  He enjoyed dressing up in costume for patriotic holidays and events or simply being in theme for special life moments. Mike also enjoyed reading any historical and non-fiction books he could get his hands on. He was a gifted wood worker and  a proficient welder. Mike, JoAnn, and the kids enjoyed great summer vacations as they visited historical locations and national parks around the United States. He loved his country and was very patriotic. He was a proud member of the Bay City American Legion Post #357 where he was a member of their honor squad remembering fallen comrades. He also took great pride in being their sergeant of arms.  Being a gunsmith himself, he made sure the rifles were ready in top shape. Mike also was an active member of Bethel Covenant Church, serving on a variety of committees during his time.

Mike will forever live on in the hearts of his wife JoAnn; children Kathryn (Seth Harwood) Farrell, Timothy Farrell; siblings Patricia (Jerri Thomas) Farrell, Mary (Gary) Cottrell, Kevin (Genevieve) Farrell; sisters/brothers-in-law Raynee Farrell, Patricia (Tom) Dietzler, Larry (Sherry) Stockwell, Sam (Lana) Stockwell, Dan (Natalie) Stockwell; as well as many nieces and nephews. His parents and brother Thomas Farrell precede him in death.

Funeral service for Mike Farrell will be 11AM Monday, September 27th at Bethel Covenant Church in rural Ellsworth. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by the Bay City American Legion Post #357. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 26th from 4pm to 6pm at Bethel Covenant Church as well as one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred and will be used to further the passions Mike had. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth.