Stephen Emery Farekas

Stephen Emery Farekas, 95, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 1:12 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2014 in his home.

He was born in South Bend, IN to Stephen and Esther (Marscis) Farekas on October 26, 1918. They preceded him in death.

Surviving him is his loving wife, Betty (Fisher) Farekas, who he married on June 26, 1947 in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church. He is also survived by his two daughters, Beth Grogg and Jo Farekas; a grandson, Stephen (Susan) Grogg; and three great-grandchildren, Lola Grogg, Benjamin Grogg, and Charlotte Grogg.

Living through the "great depression of the 30's", he was able to begin learning his practical skills by working for short periods at local industries: Oliver Farm Equipment, in the forge shop and heat treating department; Studebakers as a body assembler; and then spending 44 years at South Bend Lathe Works, beginning in 1940 as an apprentice machinist, and receiving promotions in the Engineering Department to Supervisor of Product Design and Development. He had a skill at mechanical innovations, and acquired eight patents in his own name. His pride was a 17 Gear Head Lathe, an inexpensive live-center, and improving the product line.

He was a firm believer in continuing one's education, and after graduating from Central Senior High School of South Bend, he completed courses in Radio and Television, Mechanical Engineering, and audited courses in Industrial Electrical Engineering, Laboratory Metallurgy, and Supervision from the University of Notre Dame; and also attended Michigan State College. After taking a tough exam, he was certified as a Manufacturing Engineer by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

His tenure at South Bend Lathe Works was interrupted by his enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Corp. as an aviation student during W.W. II, where he served from 1943 – 1946 as a Radio Mechanic in the American Theater.

Stephen loved to associate with people. He was a member of the former Engineers Club of St. Joseph Valley, Clay Township Toast Masters, and the former Loyal Order of the Moose. He was active in the South Bend Elks, Michiana Turners, and the American Legion Post in Indianapolis.

He loved to dance to live bands with his wife, Betty, and they enjoyed many things together, as a "two-some", on special trips in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Greece, Venice, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Morocco, Hawaii, a cruise on the Rhine River, and cruises to the Bahamas Islands, the countries in the Caribbean, Grenada, and Argentina. They also loved to go Christmas Caroling with their long time friends.

Stephen was also active in his Christian Service: Sunday School Superintendant at the former Lowell Heights Methodist Church, memorials fund-raising Chairman for the new Sanctuary at Community Congregational Church of Clay Township, serving on its various official boards, committees, and finally many years as its historian.

We will miss his friendly smile and greetings. May he rest in peace.

Visitation will be from 10 - 11 a.m. Monday, October 13, 2014 at Community Congregational Church, 19671 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN, with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the church, with Pastor Garry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN, where Military Services will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Community Congregational Church, 19671 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46637.

Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To send condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com

01/17/2023 EJS