Industry Veteran Joe Farkas Dies Suddenly Joseph M. Farkas passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Mon- day, February 7, 2000 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. He was 41. A funeral service was held in Madison on February 11. Farkas was born on July 5, 1958 in Milwaukee, the son of Joseph and Anne (Maslik) Farkas. He was a graduate of Milwaukee Tech High School in 1976 and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He married Susan Solski in Milwaukee in July of 1980. Farkas began his career in the re- building industry at Sunset Rebuilders in Waukesha, WI, followed by ten years with Diesel Injection Service in Sun Prairie, WI. There he launched their electrical division and earned the title director of sales. He was most re- cently a sales manager for Delco-Remy America. “He signed all of his work with excellence,” said Delco-Remy’s Bob Jeffries, “Anyone who knew him knew of his love for his family. I cannot think of a social situation we were in where the subject of his wife and daughter didn’t come up. His customers and friends were intensely loyal to Joe be- cause he exuded integrity. Joe’s brief walk in this world touched many, and he will not be forgotten.” Farkas is survived by his wife, Susan, of Madison; a daughter, Meghan, of Madison; his mother, Anne Farkas, of La Crosse, WI; a brother, two sisters, a niece, and many other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jo- seph E. Farkas. Memorial contributions may be made to Meghan Farkas for a schol- arship fund and addressed to 4813 Kingsford Way, Madison, WI 53704- 6499. Remembering Joe… “Joe Farkas was one of my favor- ite people in the world. Professionally, his enthusiasm and energy made hima pleasure to be around. Ina relatively short period of time Joe gained the re- spect of his customers and admiration from his peers. He constantly demon- strated a level of integrity and loyalty that is very uncommon today. Personally his life revolved around his lovely wife Sue and precious daughter Meghan. I spent many week- ends with Joe at industry board meet- ings and functions all over the country. It made no difference ifwe were in San Diego, Seattle or Denver, his heart and thoughts were always home with Sue and Meghan. If Joe could be anywhere FEBRUARY, 2000 in the world it would be sailing with his two ladies. Joe was one of the most truly suc- cessful people I have ever met. He loved his family, he loved his job and he loved his life. I attended the funeral service in his hometown of Madison, WI. The number of people who at- tended testified to the number of lives that he touched. He left us too soon.” Pat Brilly Metropolitan Distributors Garfield, NJ “’..Joe Farkas was an original member of our Warehouse Distribu- tor Council and contributed greatly to our company’s efforts to better our products and develop new ones. He was a tireless and true professional who cared about the industry and how business should be conducted. But more importantly, Joe was a good fam- ily man and that is no doubt where he will be missed most. We wish his fam- ily the best and hope that the shock and sadness of Joe’s passing will soon give way to the many wonderful memories of his time with them.” Tom McDonald & Bill Kress Hehr Power Systems Ft. Worth, TX “Joe and I had worked together at Diesel Injection Service for about the last eleven years, and had contin- ued to work together when he moved on to work for Delco Remy America. Wherever he worked, he always brought along a spirit of energy and enthusiasm. Joe started out in the rebuilding business working for Sunset Rebuilders in Waukesha, WI. There, he worked the counter, helping to solve problems, learning the “nuts and bolts” side from the shop technicians, and tracking down parts to get the cus- Page 1 of 2