Carol Farmakes

Carol Dean Farmakes, 85, of Superior, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Tuesday, May 11th, at the Essentia Health-St Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.

She was born on October 23, 1935 in Superior to Henry and Mary Dean (Pelletier) Johnson. She lived nearly her entire life in Superior’s East End. She attended the Superior public schools and graduated from East High School in June of 1953. Carol graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degree (Physical Education, major and History, minor). She also earned a Master of Science in Education degree (School Psychology and Special Education) from the same institution.

Carol became a lifelong educator that particularly enjoyed working in elementary and early childhood education programs. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Carol taught physical education and history at Cathedral Junior High School. She was proud of starting a gymnastics/dance program titled “Rhythm In Motion.” Carol then worked as a school psychologist in the CESA 12 District for a few years. Following, she worked for 27 years as a school psychologist in the Superior School District. While working in the Superior School District, Carol supervised many school psychologist students from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and for a time worked for the university as an adjunct lecturer. She remained a committed educator. After her first retirement, Carol returned to work in the early childhood program for an additional seven years until the age of 75.

Carol married William “Bill” Farmakes on July 16th, 1955. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before his death in March of 2015.

She participated in a wide range of leisure activities. She had a strong passion for the Minnesota Vikings and loved to play cards. Additionally, she participated in various community/church activities. Throughout her adult life, she remained an avid bowler and golfer. She joined numerous bowling and golf leagues. A generous person, Carol donated to various charities, especially for animals.

Carol also was a proud and lifelong member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She held numerous memberships including the St. Francis Xavier Altar Society, Superior Teacher’s Union, Wisconsin Retired Educators Association, Wisconsin School Psychologist Association, National Association of School Psychologists, and the UWS Alumni Association.

For more than 50 years, Carol cherished her time at the family cabin in Lake Nebagamon and carefully tended to her numerous gardens there. She particularly looked forward to entertaining relatives and friends, boat rides, and sitting on the deck watching the activities on the lake. Carol loved to read. She read countless novels and books. Known for her strong personality, she passionately told historical family stories and always talked about the various issues of the day. Carol took a hands-on interest in her grandchildren’s lives and remained committed to them until the end. She actively supported their endeavors and aspirations in immeasurable ways. Carol was proud of her children and grandchildren’s achievements. Several of them remained dedicated to her care during her later years.

She is survived by her 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 ( Nick) Komula, Justine Haumersen, Haley (Daniel) Fogarty, Alicia Jensen, Nikky and Jonathan (Jasmin), Zachery and Luke Farmakes; seven great-grandchildren and a large number of nieces and nephews. She is survived by two sisters, Annette Mackey, Marcy Rigstad, and one brother, Rick Johnson, all of Superior.

In addition to Carol’s parents and husband, she is predeceased in death by her sister, Linda Shipley, and beloved canines, Buck and Ranger.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 26th, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery. The family would also like to extend an invitation to all that would like to attend a Celebration of Carol’s Life at VIP, 1201 Tower Avenue, Superior.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Superior Scholarship Foundation, c/o the Carol Farmakes Early Childhood Education Fund, 3025 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880.

Carol’s family will always carry her memory in our hearts.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.