Obituary of Louis Farnsworth

Louis Nash Farnsworth, Jr., of Lodi passed away peacefully at his home in Lodi on March 17, 2006 at the age of 84. Mr. Farnsworth was born in Bellingham, WA on December 11, 1921 to Louis and Mary Gertrude Farnsworth. He attended Assumption Parochial School in Bellingham, Bellingham High School from1936-1940, University of Portland from 1940-1943 and finished at the College of Pacific, V-12 Program in 1943. In July 1942, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and completed officer training at Marine barracks, Quantico, VA. In 1944, he went overseas with the 4th Marine Division, participating in the invasion of Iwo Jima. Lou was discharged from active service in January of 1946, having attained the Rank of Captain. He married Ferne Kotey on February 20, 1942, while a student at University of Portland. He was employed for 18 years as an assistant manager of Home Builders' Supply Company, Lodi; managed Ruse-Linden Building Materials, Linden for over two years. In May of 1964, he became an agent with State Farm Insurance Company, retiring in March of 1987. He attended St. Anne's Catholic Church, serving many years as Lector, Usher, Eucharistic Minister, Team Member of R.C.I.A. Program Leader for many years, His Hands Prayer Group. He also served with his wife, Ferne as Host and Hostess team of St. Anne's Outreach Program. He was very active in the following organizations: Boy Scout Master and Leader (1940's and 1950's); 1950, President of Lodi, Jr. Chamber of Commerce; 1950 Grand Knight of the Lodi Knights of Columbus; 1959 President of Lodi Lions Club; President of Lodi Community Welfare Council for several years; Executive Director of the Lodi Civil Defense & Natural Disaster Council; President of Lodi Drug Abuse & Behavior Deterioration Council and Past Member of Lodi Post American Legion. He was Past Big Sir, Lodi Branch # 18 of S.I.R.S.(Sons in Retirement) in 1996. He also taught two years of "Individual and Family Survival" course in Lodi Adult Education. His sports achievements were: high school, 4 years letterman in track, cross state football team award, University of Portland, recognition, Little-All-American recognition in football in 1942, Bulletin Editor of the Royal Oaks Golf Club, 1943 member of the College of Pacific team, 1943 member of the College of Pacific Football team, University of Pacific Hall of fame, May 1, 1993. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, playing the guitar, piano and singing. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ferne L. Farnsworth of Lodi; children, Judith Ann (Larry) Moyer of Novato, Thomas (Denice) Farnsworth of Modesto, Mark (Liz) Farnsworth of Stockton, Robert (Paulette) Farnsworth of South Lake Tahoe and Brian (Colleen) Farnsworth of Stockton; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; one sister, Carol Ghaffari of Washington. He also leaves behind, his sisters-in-law Lois (John) Gainza of Acampo and Susan (Bob) Heffernan of Zephyr Cove, and brother-in-law Frank "Buzz" (Darlene) Kotey of Auburn. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude Farnsworth, aunt, Margaret Pry and father, Louis N. Farnsworth, Sr. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 23rd at 10 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church. Committal is private. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said on Wednesday at 4:00p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. Friends are invited to visit at Lodi Funeral Home on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until the Rosary. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to St. Anne's Catholic Church Outreach Program, 215 W. Walnut, Lodi, CA 95240.