Carl Folk

Carl Nelson Folk was a devoted husband and a loving father. Those he has touched will always remember his strong work ethic, "feisty" attitude, and keen business sense. Born on a farm on January 2, 1925, Carl quickly grew to understand the value of hard work—a value he would carry with him throughout his life in the military, business, and finally his marriage and family.

During the period of Carl’s early childhood, our nation was facing great changes. After having enjoyed a brief period of peace and prosperity following World War I, the United States was soon plunged into a period of great economic hardship and uncertainty. Growing up on a farm during the Depression meant long hours for Carl and his family. However, despite having little free time, Carl always took the opportunity to enjoy the things he loved. Perhaps it was just their genetics, or the "Hoosier" blood coursing through their veins, but Carl and his brothers soon grew to be the tallest boys in town, making them naturals for basketball. Even coming from a small town, the high school basketball team was recognized throughout the state as being very good; this was quite an accomplishment in the state of Indiana where basketball was still highly regarded as the most important thing in life. By his senior year, Carl also found recognition as president of his graduating class.

It was not long, however, before life changed in the US and World War II was waged. Soon Carl had to exchange his basketball jersey for the ‘Navy Blues’ of the USS Randalph Aircraft Carrier where he was trained as an electrician. During his time in the service, Carl had the unique opportunity of being stationed at Pearl Harbor following the historic attack. Because of Carl’s strong work ethic, he was recognized several times throughout his tour of duty and earned the title of Electrician’s Mate Second Class in charge of the flight deck, as well as several medals commemorating his achievements including: the Victory Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

After completing a remarkable tour of duty with the United States Navy, Carl returned to his studies at Ball State where he quickly realized there was something even more important than basketball: girls! It was not long after starting Ball State when Carl noticed Barbara talking in the library with a girlfriend. Initially annoyed because she was interrupting his studying, Carl’s scolding look soon turned to a smile when he realized how beautiful she was. In order to redeem himself, Carl offered her a ride home, but she declined because her mom was coming. Not to be discouraged, Carl recorded Barbara’s phone number on his hand and called her as soon as he could. The couple continued to date for several years while Barbara finished school even though Carl’s studies had taken him to Indiana University. Finally on June 30, 1950 the couple was married at College Avenue Methodist Church.

After the wedding, the couple followed Barbara’s teaching job to South Bend where Carl worked for the historic Studebaker Company, testing new cars. Later he took a job with Ball Band in Mishawaka. Carl & his family moved to Kalamazoo in 1957, where he briefly worked for St. Regis Paper Company before finally joining The Shakespeare Company. Here he began a career in Industrial Relations that spanned more than twenty years. After his retirement as The Director of Industrial Relations he continued his interest in real estate management. He managed several area properties with the aid of his sons; most well known was the W.S. Dewing Building, which he owned for over thirty years.

After retiring from the Shakespeare Company, Carl & Barbara began to spend their winters in Florida. Besides frequent trips South, the couple also enjoyed traveling to Europe, the Panama Canal and, Carl’s personal favorite, Australia. In his limited free time, Carl also enjoyed tinkering around the house and garage.

A take-charge kind of man, Carl was an active member in the First Methodist Church of Kalamazoo and served on the finance committee. Carl also belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Muncie, Indiana. Though not an active member, he always wore the ring.

Carl passed away on November 12, 2003 leaving behind Barbara, his wife of fifty-three years, and his children: David and Holly Folk of Kalamazoo; James and Linda Folk of St. Joseph; and Nancy and Mike Howard of Scotts. Surviving siblings include brothers Glenn and Robert Folk and sister Evelyn Davis. During his life, Carl was a wonderful grandfather to Steve, Chris and Harrison Folk, and Lisa, Melanie, Susan, and Carl Howard, who will miss him dearly.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, November 16 from 3-5pm at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall, & Gren Funeral Home, Portage Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday November 17 at 11AM at the First Methodist Church where Carl was a devoted member. To read Carl’s full life story, share a memory with the family, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the American Red Cross of Kalamazoo or the First United Methodist Church, please visit his personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com.