Kenneth Walter Farnsworth, 62, of Brandon, FL entered the arms of his Savior June 4th 2023.
He was born in Mount Clemens, MI on June 13th 1960, son to Kenneth and Delphine Farnsworth. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Tammie Farnsworth, his 6 children, Michael Farnsworth (Danielle) Krista Farnsworth Noda (Jose) Neysa McGowan (Matthew) Sasha Powell (Tim) Helena Flynn (Austin) and Michaela. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Jacob, Nicholas, Emma, Akeelah, Reagan, Margaret, Jane, Elias, Poppy, Tobias and 2 sisters, Sue Lowe (Phil) and Kristen Curlee (Greg). He is preceded in death by his father Kenneth, brother Mark and mother Delphine.
Ken had a passion for cooking and joined the Culinary Institute of America in 1978 with aspirations of becoming a chef. However, just shy of two semesters away from his degree, he felt a calling to pursue pastoral work within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod completely changing the trajectory of his life.
Finally, in 1991 Ken would be ordained from the Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne.
Pastor Farnsworth began his ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica MI where he would shepherd over a large congregation for five years before receiving a call to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brandon FL. Pastor Farnsworth faithfully led Immanuel Lutheran Church for 23 years and during this time would baptize countless babies, catechize the youth of Immanuel, counsel families, officiated weddings, visit the sick and dying and faithfully preach the gospel every Sunday morning.
Pastor Farnsworth did not keep his clerical work simply within the church walls though. He was well known within his community to share the love of Jesus with just about anyone he came in contact with often times making friends all over Brandon. Anywhere from Publix to coffee houses to cigar shops…everyone knew Pastor Farnsworth and everyone had a story about “how” they knew him. In addition, Pastor loved his children and grandchildren. He bragged about them to anyone who would listen. They were the source of his pride and joy.
A life long hockey fan, although Pastor Farnsworth loved his Red Wings, he adopted our Tampa Bay Lightning and loved taking his youngest daughter to games.
A self proclaimed “best seafood bisque maker in all the world”, Pastor Farnsworth loved to share his culinary expertise within his church and community making meals for his parishioners or auctioning off dinners for school fundraisers.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday June 16th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2913 John Moore Rd, Brandon FL 33511. Family and friends are welcome to a reception immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Michaela Farnsworth, Pastor’s youngest daughter, to help with upcoming college expenses.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).
Previous Events
Memorial Service
16
Jun
2913 John Moore Road
Brandon, FL 33511
Reception to follow.
