Howard Farragh

IRON MOUNTAIN- Howard W. Farragh, 88, of Iron Mountain, died Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Freeman's Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in Kingsford. He was born on June 8, 1919, in Marquette County, son of the late William and Flora (LaCost) Farragh. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a sergeant during WWII, seeing action from 1942 to 1945. He spent all three years oversees seeing action in Papua, New Guinea, Bismark-Rarchia, the Philippines and Luzon. He served with 321st Bomb Squad and was a member of the 907th Bomb Group. He had six overseas service bars symbolizing his three years overseas. He also received the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Dist. Unit Badge, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star. After being honorably discharged, he married Margie LaRouche on Oct. 20, 1945, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Howard worked first for Ford Motor Co., and then for the city of Iron Mountain, retiring on Jan. 1, 1980. He was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, the V.F.W., and the American Legion Post #50. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. He was preceded in death by a sister, Bella Dishaw. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Margie; son, David (Donna) Farragh of Iron Mountain; grandson, Scott (Dawn) Farragh of Marquette; three great-grandsons, Devin, Kolton, and Bradon Farragh all of Marquette; step grandson, Eric (Tracy) Erfourth of Minnesota; one brother, James (Marlene) Farragh of Bessemer; two sisters, Betty Leonard of Crystal Falls, and Geraldine Perry of Minnesota; special sister in-law, Betty Pirlot of Iron Mountain; and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 24, 2008, from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at noon at the church. Fr. Daniel Moll will offer the Mass of Christian burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews Frank Opolka and William Opolka, Mike Pirlot, Jeff Pirlot, Steven Perry, great nephew Brad Coe. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Howard W. Farragh on line at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is handling the arrangements.