Michael H. Farrell

Michael Henry Farrell, age 70 of Dalton, was called home to heaven February 12, 2022. He was born November 20, 1951, in Milwaukee, WI to Jack and Phyllis (Smith) Farrell.
When he was two years old, they moved to the family farm in the Township of Buffalo where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Montello High School in 1970 where he wrestled and played football. He married Victoria Hermann on August 7, 1971 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dalton, WI. Together they had three children Rebecca, Colter and Cody.
On July 3, 2005, he married lifetime friend Lilah Hamer Moderow at St. John's Lutheran Church in Montello. Mike spent his life working the family farm with his father Jack. He loved the land and his horses where he lived out his fantasy life as a cowboy.
He worked at Speedway Sand & Gravel in Madison over 30 years where he started out as a laborer, then operator and finally was promoted to project foreman, managing complex projects with ease. His boss, Tom Debeck, became his lifelong friend. Mike always enjoyed their long conversations. He worked tirelessly at a full-time job and farmed in his spare time all the while keeping a positive, optimistic outlook despite health issues that eventually forced him to slow down.
His joy in life was spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He passed down his love of deer hunting and fishing to his children and grandchildren. His hobbies included camping, traveling, and watching old westerns and comedies.
He is survived by his mother Phyllis Farrell, wife Lilah of 16 years, his children Rebecca (Mark) Kearns of Dalton and Cody (Michelle) Farrell of Brandon; his grandchildren Colter and Kylie Kearns and Carter, Cash, Charlie, and Collins Farrell; sisters Roxanne (Martin) Schmanke, Laurie (Herbert) Beahm and Julie (Todd) Klawitter. His step-children Ben (Heather) Moderow, Tyler (Kristin Bostad) and Noah (Diana Blake) Moderow; his step-grandchildren Austin, Taylor and Landon. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Colter Farrell; father, Jack Farrell and in-laws James and Rosemary Hamer.
A special thank you to Michael Brouette, PA-C at SSM Health Portage for the many years of care for Mike. Thank you also to Agnesian HealthCare Hospice Hope for their care of Mike and their support of the family which allowed Mike to be surrounded by family and friends during the last three weeks of his life.
Per his request there will be no service. He will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery in the Township of Buffalo, Marquette County. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. 2d