George Farkell

G. David Farkell, “The Prairie Bookbinder”, 82,  Detroit Lakes, MN, died Monday, July 12, 2010 at his residence in Detroit Lakes. A Celebration of David’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 16 in First Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes with Rev. Wade Dutton, officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

George David Farkell was born August 24, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN to George L. and Velma (Thompson) Farkell. He was raised and educated in Minneapolis, MN, graduating from South West High School in 1944. He became an Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 33 of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. He served with the U. S. Navy from 1945 to 1946 and then spent 12 years with the Naval Reserve. David earned a BA Degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota in 1949. While at the U of M, he joined Sigma Delta Chi, the honorary journalism fraternity. He also earned a Master in Liberal Arts from Minnesota State University, Moorhead in 1995. During his working life, David was a newspaper reporter, photographer, speechwriter, public relations executive, college professor and book binder.

He enjoyed volunteering with Beginning Experience, demonstrating bookbinding at Bonanzaville & Sodbusters. He is Past President of the Becker County Historical Society and a member at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes where he played the drums for a few years with the worship team.

He will be remembered and missed by his four children: Christine (John) Sweeney of Plymouth, MN Kathleen (Ron) Bernier of Missouri, Jeffrey (Janice) Farkell of Brady, MT and Steven (Dawn) Farkell of Spring Lake Park, MN. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, cousins: Patricia Welna of Minneapolis, MN & Larry Thompson of Virgina, MN along with his former wife, Jean Mix Farkell of Traer, IA and a special friend, Terese Rotenberger.