Hanna Elias Farraj
FARRAJ, KINSINGER, TORGERSON
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 11/21/2023 at 10:16:01
Hanna Elias Farraj was born on September 15, 1939, to Shafika and Elias Farraj. He joined brother Samir and sister Samira, at their home in Palestinian Jericho, the oldest and lowest city on earth. Since he was named Hanna, which is Arabic for John, his parents held his Orthodox baptism in the Jordan River at the spot where Jesus was baptized by John. He officially changed his name to John at the time of his U.S. naturalization in 1964. John died on November 3, 2023, at The Bird House – Hospice Home in Iowa City, Iowa.
John grew up spending time playing his favorite game, soccer. He attended the local Catholic elementary school, transferred to the public schools, and finished school in Ramallah, near grandparents, before going off to college in Cairo. While home over a summer vacation, he met and fell in love with Myrna Kinsinger, an Iowa farm girl who was working with the Mennonite Central Committee in the refugee camp in Jericho. Following a year of letter writing, the two overcame many obstacles and Myrna returned to Jericho where they married on July 17, 1960 - an event so popular it was standing room only.
After a couple months of paperwork, John joined Myrna in America and attended the University of Iowa. He soon settled into the business world of life insurance and financial planning where he met success as he was intelligent, hardworking, and trustworthy. He found his joy in helping folks plan for their futures. His dynamic and engaging personality endeared him to others and many of his clients became life-long friends. John loved cooking and enjoyed good food. Family and friends found warm hospitality at the generous Farraj table.
Born to John and Myrna were sons Charles John and Anthony John, followed by daughter Rima Jane. John was a loyal family man instilling in his children the values his parents taught him, as well as a love for both his heritage and his new home. For him his legacy will be his family, friends, and all he could do for others. He lived his life emphasizing that it’s not things, but love, that’s most important.
John was proceeded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his wife Myrna; his son Chuck and children Ezra and James; his son Tony and wife Paula, daughter Jordan and son Christian; his daughter Rima and her husband Erik Torgerson, and sons Anders and Hans. John lived fully and loved abundantly - which uplifted those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, Hanna would want you to express your love to those you value by cooking them a good meal. Memorials may be directed to Mennonite Central Committee, the organization which made this all happen. Join the family on Sunday, November 26, at the Heights Rooftop at the Marriott Courtyard in University Heights for a Celebration of John’s Life from 4:00-6:00 PM, with a program at 4:30 PM.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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