Obit: Farning, Max Clarence (1932 - 2007)

Contact:  Shari Hahn
Email: steppinwest@elknet.net

Surnames: Farning, Dahl, Fisher, Pogorelc, Thalman

----Sources: Marshfield News-Herald, March 21, 2007

Farning, Max Clarence (29 Dec. 1932 - 17 March 2007)

Max C. Farning

ONALASKA -- Max Clarence Farning, 74, of Onalaska died Saturday, March 17, 2007, at his home after a two-month battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, at First Lutheran Church in Onalaska. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service.

He was born in Colby on Dec. 29, 1932, to Clarence and Ida Farning. He grew up on his parents' dairy farm. He married Anne Marie Dahl on June 25, 1961, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church near Eau Claire.

After graduating from Colby, Wis. High School, Max served three years in the United States Army-328 Comm/Recon, two years of which he served in Germany. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota. He spent his career in the field of vocational education, teaching at Dunwoody Technical Institute, St. Paul Vocational School, Texas A&M University and UW-Stout. Max retired from Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids after a 25-year career in administration. He felt much satisfaction from his work in education.

Max enjoyed restoring antique tractors and cars, finishing his home, working in his yard, traveling with his wife, attending Army reunions and reading. He and Anne volunteered in many organizations, including Retired Educators, Norskedalen and Sons of Norway. He was an active church member and especially enjoyed Bible studies.

He is survived by his wife, Anne; his children, Caroline (Craig) Fisher and David Farning, both of Onalaska. He is survived by three grandchildren, Christine, Emily, and Joshua Fisher; one sister, Maxine (George) Haas; one sister-in-law, Elaine (John) Pogorelc, and several nieces and nephews..

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant children, Lisa Anne and Mark Thalman; and one infant granddaughter, Grace Caroline.

The family requests memorials be given to First Lutheran Church, Norskedalen or the charity of their choice.