Maurice “Joe” Farrell, 86, resident of Hill City, Kansas, passed away February 6, 2023, at the Graham County Hospital.
Joe was born May 25, 1936, in Rural Graham County on the family farm south of Hill City to James and Eunice (Herbert) Farrell. Being raised on a farm, Joe had a love for animals. He told his grandchildren numerous stories about the family’s dog, Gyp, and their Shetland pony Cricket. Joe attended IXL School (I Excel), which his grandparents had helped establish, located one mile south of the family farm through the eighth grade. Joe always told his children and grandchildren that getting to and from school was a one mile walk or run for him and his siblings. When Joe was in the eighth grade, his school was invited to Hill City to participate in a county track meet. He won a second-place ribbon in the 100-yard dash. This inspired him to go out for track at the Hill City Memorial High School where he held the high school track record in the mile for several years after he started teaching. During his time as a high school student, he participated in FFA, football, basketball, and track. He graduated in 1954.
Joe’s love for the farm and his admiration for his Vo-Ag teacher inspired him to become a Vo-Ag teacher himself. He started his college education at Fort Hays State College and then transferred to Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education in 1958. Joe also obtained his master’s degree from Kansas State University in 1973.
Joe married Ellen Engel in Ellis,
Kansas, in 1959. Their family was completed with the arrival of their
three children: MaDonna, Chris and Brian. Along with his work, he found
time to educate his children on many of life’s enjoyments such as
attending church and sporting events, going to the farm, boating, taking
vacations and spending time with extended family.
Joe worked very hard as an educator for forty years. He lived and loved his work. Blending traditional concepts and new ideas into a firm philosophy provided the best education possible for his students. He received recognition from national, state, and local organizations too numerous to mention. His contribution to education is expanded through the lives of many students creating a legend in our community. After retiring from teaching in 2008, Joe helped his brother Robert with the farming operation. Ten years later they both went into full retirement enjoying sibling trips, family vacations, K-State sporting events, and golfing. Joe spent his life serving the Catholic Church. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. During his retirement years, he sat on the Dawson Place and the Graham County Historical Society boards. Serving his church and community provided him much pleasure and satisfaction. Joe loved being a grandpa and great grandpa to his 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Preceding Joe
in death were his parents; brother John Farrell; sister Annie Riemann;
grandson Grant Farrell; brothers-in law: Maurice Riemann, Ed Steichen,
Eugene (Melba) Engel and Dwight Lowman; sisters-in-law, Betty (Bud)
Weigel and Shirley Engel; and two special great aunts, Katherine Farrell
and Mary Hinkhouse.
Joe is survived by his wife
Ellen Farrell, Hill City; his children: MaDonna (Craig) Reiter, Beloit,
Chris Farrell, Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Brian (Dena) Farrell,
McPherson; Also surviving are MaDonna’s family: step grandchildren
Loren and Bonnie Reiter and their children Triston and Hudson; Nick and
Laura Reiter and daughter Rosemary; Adele and Josh Reiter-Nordin and
children Penny and Silas; grandson Dustin Reiter and Aimee Wentworth and
great granddaughter Ivy; Chris’s family: granddaughter Larissa and
Ryan Prather and great grandson Jax; grandchildren: Josey Farrell,
Olivia Farrell and Tommy Farrell; Brian’s family: granddaughter Kelsee
and Donny Hildebrand and great granddaughters Emmalynn and Quinnlynn;
step grandson Brandon and Karley Gaede and children Axel, Otto and
expected granddaughter; step grandson Steven and Hannah Gaede; step
grandson Lane Lippelmann; granddaughter Caitlin Farrell; and step
granddaughter LaKynn Lippelmann, and deceased grandson Grant Farrell.
Joe is also survived by his siblings: Robert (Donna) Farrell, Hill City; Agnes Steichen, Waunakee, Wisconsin; Sister Rosemary Farrell, Silver City, New Mexico; Marlene (Ron) Dockins, Casper, Wyoming; Larry (Anita) Farrell, Olpe, Joan (Mike) Dolan, Topeka; sisters-in-law: Laureen Farrell and Edna Lowman; brothers-in-law LeRoy Engel and Joe (Sherri) Engel; and all his very special nieces and nephews.
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