Micheal F. Fara May 22, 1956 – August 26, 2026.
Micheal "Mike" F. Fara, 70, a lifelong resident of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026. Though he faced a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease for many years, Mike met each day with resilience, grace, and an unwavering commitment to the people and places he loved.
He entered this world in La Porte on May 22, 1956, born to the late Thomas and Carol (Striegel) Fara. Mike grew up in the local community, graduating from La Porte High School in 1974. He went on to further his education at Indiana University, proud to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1978.
Mike’s greatest legacy is the family and friends he cherished. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Deb, who walked hand-in-hand with him through all of life's seasons. His memory will be kept alive by his two stepchildren, Nichole (Chris) Sheaffer of La Porte, IN, and Matt (Jen) Sheaffer of Berthoud, CO; and his three adored grandchildren, Arnica of Colorado Springs, CO, and Dylan and Carter of Berthoud, CO. He is also survived by his two brothers, Dan (Dot) Fara and Tom (Theresa) Fara; his stepbrother, Mark (Karen) Martin; and a vast circle of extended family and lifelong friends. He was reunited in eternity with his parents.
A man of diverse passions, Mike was an avid collector. He had a keen eye for furniture and fine art, a deep love for music—especially blues albums or that classic country story—and a need for speed when it came to classic cars. He found peace in nature, always gathering the finest hunting and fishing equipment for his next adventure. Yet, of all his collections, none mattered more to him than his collection of friendships, family, and community. Mike was the ultimate keeper of memories. He lived for the camaraderie of fishing trips, hunting excursions with friends, and beautiful destination travels with his wife. His heart was happiest during family gatherings while saying grace at the table, festive 4th of July parties, Thanksgiving Eve celebrations, and his treasured Wednesday night guys' nights.
Mike served as president of the House of Fara family business. He was pivotal to the growth and success of this company alongside his father Tom and brothers Dan, Mark, and Tom. He shared a neighborly spirit with every employee and deeply valued their contributions. Professionally and personally, Mike was incredibly dedicated to his family business and the city of La Porte. A true visionary, he championed the "buy local" philosophy long before it became a modern movement. He deeply understood that the true strength of a community comes from the local stakeholders invested within it, and he spent his life working to make his hometown a better place for everyone. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his impact on La Porte will be felt for generations to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
Words of Remembrance will begin at 5 pm following the Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Ducks Unlimited, https://www.ducks.
Family and friends are invited to light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for the family by visiting esslingfuneralhome.
