Carroll Keran Farrell, aged 85, went peacefully to be with his Lord at Faith Hospice on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Carroll was born on December 12, 1932, in Marne, MI and was the eldest of Thomas and Luella Farrell’s six children. He graduated from Coopersville High School in 1950 and from there went on to graduate from Michigan State College where he studied agriculture. Carroll served his country in the armed forces as a staff sergeant during the Korean War. He then married the love of his life, Vera “Arlene” Farrell, on August 10, 1957, at St. Michael’s Church in Dennison, MI. They celebrated their 50th anniversary together before Arlene passed away in November 2007. Carroll was the proud father of nine children; Timothy and Jean Farrell of Wayland, LuAnn and Brian Van Haren of Grand Rapids, Mike and Amy Farrell of Holland, Dan and Mary Farrell of Muskegon, Pat and Kim Farrell of Baltimore, Maryland, Robert and Robin Farrell of Grand Rapids, Laura Farrell of Grand Rapids, Lisa and Joe Mercier of Grand Rapids, and Amy and Dan Plackowski of Zeeland. He was blessed with 30 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Tim II and Anthony Bandy-Farrell, John Farrell (Violette, Kaysen), Stephen Farrell, Matt and Martha Van Haren (Elenore, Ruth), Nate and Kaitlyn Van Haren (Liam, Levi), Sean and Abby Van Haren, Evelina Van Haren, Danielle, Liz, Dominic, Claire, Maddi, Charlie, Chris, and Drew Farrell, Laura, Maggie, and Jack Farrell, Killian and Kieron Farrell, Ian, Meg, and Conor Farrell, Max and Ivan Farrell, Ronni, Kate, and Will Mercier, Ben and Nick Plackowski. Carroll was preceded in death by his infant brother, Robert Edward, and his brother, Tom (Elaine) Farrell. He is survived by siblings, Mary Ann (Earl) Meerman, Gertrude (Bob – deceased) Jazwinski, Arvon (Jeri) Farrell and Margaret (Don) Bear. Carroll enjoyed dancing, playing cards, watching harness racing at the fair, coaching baseball and taking his grandkids’ money playing poker. Carroll was a quiet, sentimental Irishman who would do anything for his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Saturday October 13 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids. Rev. Troy Nevins presiding. Visitation will be Friday from 4-8 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids and one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. Carroll and his family were blessed with compassionate, spiritual care and comfort at Faith Hospice – Trillium Woods. In lieu of flowers, Carroll would be pleased to have his memory honored by contributions to Faith Hospice of Trillium Woods, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SE, Byron Center, MI 49315.
3 Responses
The world just got a whole lot darker without the light and warmth that is Mr. Farrell! He will be missed and his quiet strength will be a constant, wonderful memory that we will cherish.
Our love and prayers are with all of you.
My deepest condolences to the Farrell family. May our Heavenly Father be with you to help you through this grievous time. May your precious memories of Carroll give you comfort as the days and years pass by. Loving thoughts and prayers. Psalm 94:19
I just discovered Carroll’s passing, two years late. Carroll was one of the kindest me I met while working at Lincoln Square Retirement. He was so soft spoken, warm and caring.
I was the activity director and I brought in entertainment. Carroll would always get up and dance. One time he asked me to. I can’t dance but he made me look and feel like I could. He was the best dancer I ever, ever danced with. He dressed up like Abe Lincoln on Lincoln’s birthday, passed out new pennies and gave a speech. He was tall with dark hair, he portrayed him well!
Often I have thought of him and wondered where he was, not knowing he had left us here to take his place in heaven. I’ll never forget that dear man!