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Mick Farber Obituary

In Loving Memory of Mickey “Mick” Gene Farber

March 22, 1942 ~ August 20, 2025

Mickey “Mick” Gene Farber. 83 of Motley. passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on August 20th, 2025.

Mick was born on March 22nd, 1942, to Lloyd “Greeno” Farber and Ida Fornshell Farber. He grew up on the family farm near Staples and graduated from Staples High School in 1960. With his love of sports, he lettered in football, basketball, and track. Mick went on to work for Western Electric (AT&T) for 34 years, retiring at the young age of 52 to continue doing the things he loved. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends, participating in snowmobiling, golfing, fishing, hunting, slalom skiing, woodworking, sudoku, puzzles, playing cards, and traveling.

He enjoyed volunteering at the local food shelf to unload trucks, grooming trails for the Lincoln Lakes Area Snowmobile Club, volunteering as a trustee for the Motley United Methodist Church, and teaching cribbage to middle schoolers in Motley.

Mick was known for his generous spirit and steady presence.  Whether through his work, his friendships, or acts of compassion, he made the world a better place. He had a unique way of making others feel loved. and his warm smile could light up a room. A man of quiet determination and deep integrity. Mick never sought the spotlight but was always there when it mattered most. His love for life was reflected in his appreciation of nature, good conversation, and the simple joys of life.

He is survived by his wife Donna (Willis) of 63 years, one son, Todd (Shelley) Farber, and one daughter, Tammy (Randy) Yourczek, five grandchildren, Courtney Farber, Taylor (Michelle) Farber, Michael Farber, Jordyn (Justin) Wilson, and Alyssa Yourczek: one great-granddaughter, Charleigh Wilson: one brother, Art “Spud” (Carol) Farber, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Darlene Marte, Delores Wing, and Sharon Smith.

Mick generously donated his body to the University of Minnesota Medical School to continue helping others.

A service to celebrate Mick’s life will be held at the Motley United Methodist Church at 3 pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025.  There will be visitation starting at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Motley Area Food Shelf or to perform a quiet act of kindness in his name.

“A life well lived is marked by a path of love.”

Pastor Greg’s September Message

Good September Disciples,

And just like that, it is over.

What a way to start a monthly letter to you all. Yes, it flew by. Summer that is. It came and went, but honestly, what do you expect out of twelve short weeks?  The kids are going back to school, and teachers have already started. By the time some of you read this, it may be after Labor Day, and everyone is back at school. Please keep all the students and teachers in your prayers as they begin a new school year.

As I reflect on my summer, I realize that I did not get everything done that I wanted to. My bike riding was significantly less than last year, but I realize that it is okay. This summer, I focused on things other than riding a bike, such as my faith journey. I keep telling myself I have procrastinated long enough. But I know my faith is stronger than ever, and I hope yours is too.

As most of you know, Stephanie and I are going to be first-time grandparents. We are excited to welcome our new grandchild into the world. When it happens, which will be soon, we will keep you all posted. I am sure there will be a few pictures to show everyone.

Now on to church stuff!

September is the month when we all begin to come back to worship after the summer. This year is no different. We certainly miss the families and all the children in worship. As most of the families already know, Sunday School is starting on September 14th. That same Sunday, we will also be blessing the backpacks. I do know that during that time, school had already started, but a blessing for the new school year can’t hurt. So, children, bring your backpack on the 14th, and we as a church will pray over them.  Additionally, I am looking for children to light the candles every Sunday.

Lastly, since it is September, we will be starting our community breakfast, which takes place on the last Saturday of the month. If you can help, that would be great. If you are hungry, come and eat. Tell all your friends about it.

Have a great September!

Blessings,

Pastor Greg Leslie

 

Park UMC UWIF Special Gathering

From the United Women in Faith of Park United Methodist Church

315 North 6th St., Brainerd, MN

 A SPECIAL INVITATION TO A UWIF GATHERING TO LEARN AND COMMUNE

The United Women in Faith’s purpose is to know God, to develop supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through participation in global ministries of the church. We aim to nurture current members and welcome new women to join us in putting their love into action on behalf of women, children, and youth.

The United Women in Faith Board at Park United Methodist Church in Brainerd would like to invite the women in your church to a Special Gathering.

Did you know that every 30 seconds, someone is being trafficked, and many of these victims are young women? It can happen anywhere! About 10% are actually kidnapped, but the rest are mostly lured away into a life of abuse, slavery,  prostitution, and drugs. We, as Christians and UWIF, need to be aware of this horrible problem, what we can do to prevent it, and what is being done to help youth heal, restore themselves, and finish their education to become whole again. The program is non-denominational.

On Wednesday, August 13, a meal will be served starting at 5:30 pm, followed by a speaker. She is from the newly constructed Freedom Ranch in Crow Wing County. We are sure you will find this program not only interesting but also educational!

Freedom Ranch in Brainerd, Minnesota, is owned and operated by the Rising Hope Foundation. The Rising Hope Foundation was founded by Dave and Vicki Leckie, who were inspired to create the ranch after witnessing the magnitude of sex trafficking. The ranch provides a safe, long-term care and recovery home for young girls rescued from human trafficking. It’s a “SAFE” home, licensed through DHS as a Children’s Residential Facility, following rule 2960, according to the Freedom Ranch website. It helps girls from 12-17 who have been sexually assaulted, trafficked, and exploited.

There is no cost. Gather your members, arrange rides, and JOIN US!

Please contact Mary Jane Reetz with a headcount by Friday, August 8. Email: mjrnature@yahoo.com or 218-828-4277. Be sure to leave a message.

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