William "Bill" John Farmakes

William “Bill” John Farmakes, 79, Superior, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 28, 1935 in Superior to John and Urania (Agorastos) Farmakes. He attended the Superior public schools and graduated from the former Central High School in June 1953. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Masters in School Counseling. In 1971, he earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from the same institution.

Bill had a diverse career. As a teenager, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad. After obtaining his teaching credentials, Bill worked as a school Government/Civics teacher and he taught Senior Prob’s. He earned the teacher of the year award three times, twice in the 1960’s and once in the 1970’s. He taught at the former Central High School and Superior Senior High School. In the mid 1970’s, he worked for a few years as a principal in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Furthermore, he worked as a switchman for a number of railroads that included the Great Northern, Burlington Northern, Duluth Mesabi, and Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific Railway. He retired as a yardmaster with the DWP in 1989.

Bill treasured the time he spent at the family cabin in Lake Nebagamon. He loved to take train trips and enjoyed reading, bowling, golfing, collecting miniature trains and other railroad memorabilia.

He was particularly proud of his Greek heritage and of his family, especially his grandchildren. He spent much of his later years with his grandchildren and remained proud of their accomplishments. He enjoyed watching their hockey games, baseball games, musical concerts and graduations.

On July 16, 1955, Bill married Carol Johnson and they celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Bill was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the FEX Fraternity at UWS, the Superior Teacher’s Union of which he served as president, AHEPA Sam Solon Chapter 267, the Superior Elks Lodge #403; Superior Moose Lodge #606, the United Transportation Union, the Lake Superior Railroad Transportation Museum and several other railroad historical societies.

In addition to his wife Carol, Bill is survived by their children, Katherine Farmakes, Sun Prairie, WI, Dr. Laurie (Tom) Jensen, Solon Springs, WI, Tim (Melanie) Farmakes, Superior, Steve (Annette) Farmakes, Superior; ten grandchildren, Dr. Sean and Eric Halverson, Alissa, Justine and Haley Haumersen, Alicia Jensen, Nikky, Jonathan (Jasmin), Zachery and Luke Farmakes; one great-grandchild Annalee and a large number nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother, George Farmakes, Superior and one sister, Mary Farmakes, Montana City, Montana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Farmakes and one sister, Francis (Farmakes) Solon and his beloved canines, Buck and Ranger, with whom he walked many miles.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and will continue until the 11:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 30, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

Bill’s grandchildren will be recognized as pallbearers.

Bill’s family would like to send their heartfelt appreciation to Essentia Health and Solvay Hospice House for their compassion and caring during Bill’s illness.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) District 14 Educational Scholarship Foundation, 6128 Ryan Avenue South, Edina, MN 55242-1747.

Bill will remain in the hearts of his family forever.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.