"Ray and Elfrieda and Grandpa and Grandma (Harlan and Verona Schmidt) were always doing things together and during our summers in Iowa, my brother and I would get to tag along. One of my favorite memories was being at the farm with Rodney and Shelley and playing with the piglets. Ray and Elfrieda always had a smile on their faces and it makes me smile knowing the four of them are together again. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tamara (Schmidt) Kappler"
In loving memory of
Raymond Folkmann
March 16, 1924 - October 9, 2019
Williamsburg-Raymond Christian Folkmann was born March 16, 1924 near South Amana, Iowa, the son of Christian and Sophie (Baack) Folkmann. Ray served in the United States Navy from 1945-1946. Ray was united in marriage to Elfrieda Louise Ficken on May 4, 1947 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. He farmed near South Amana until moving to Williamsburg in November of 1991. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Conroy, where he served as an elder and on the finance committee. He was also a member of the Iburg Poulson VFW Post #8797 in Williamsburg. Ray enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, telling stories, playing cards, dancing and going to the casino.
Ray passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg at the age of 95.
He is survived by four children, Roger (Kathy) Folkmann of Iowa City, Keith (Carol) Folkmann of Ames, Susan and (Ron) Roberts of Williamsburg and Randy (Christine) Folkmann of Parnell; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; a sister, Loretta Schlesselman of Williamsburg and a sister-in-law Gladys Folkmann of Vinton. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife in 1993, three brothers, Clarence Folkmann, Richard Folkmann and Merlin Folkmann; two sisters, Florence Schaeffer and Edna Schmidt; and a daughter-in-law, Sondra Folkmann.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am on Monday, October 21, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Conroy. Visitation will be Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Highland Ridge Care Center or Lutheran Interparish School. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"I have many memories of swinging on the tire swing at the farm, catching lightning bugs and playing with the baby kittens. Fun childhood memories with my Uncles, Aunts and cousins in Williamsburg. Love and prayers to all. Heidi Muller"
"I was one of extra kids spending many a day following Uncle Ray around the farm to milk the cows. Having a cold drink of water directly from the well out of a metal cup, priceless memories of my childhood. Love and hugs to all of you. Cousin Ann (Wardenburg) Scholz"
"I always enjoyed talking to Ray when he used to come into the JT office. So kind and always had a smile! May he rest in peace, and may your entire family continue to remember what a blessing to have had him in your lives. Karin Winwood"
"Some of my favorite early memories in life are working with my uncle Ray, my dad, (Merlin) and uncle Clarence. Thousands of hours combining oats, baling straw, baling hay, and shelling corn. Dad and Raymond showed me that work could be fun. While waiting for a load of oats he'd spend his time telling stories while wiping the dust off his 880. When the tractor was shiny he'd look for 4 leaf clovers. He always found one. He loved funny rhymes and stories. My favorite started like this, "I bought a wooden whistle, and it "wooden" whistle..... Memories I will cherish the rest of my life. Kenny Folkmann "
"I worked with Ray over the past few years. He always said "your feet get farther away every year" as he would take his shoes off for a bath. He always thought he was "lazy" for sitting and relaxing as an older adult. He was always kind and polite, he never wanted to be a burden to anyone. I never heard a negative word come out of his mouth. Ray told amazing stories of his farm upbringing. I'll miss his cheer, and his constant optimism. Mostly I"ll miss him. (Nurses aid from highland ridge care center) "
"So many happy memories at the farm with the Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He always had a smile for all and was a blessing to everyone. My prayers to the family. Melanie (Muller) Beumer"
"So sorry to hear of Ray?s passing. He always had a smile. We have many good memories. Ron and Marleen Schmidt"
"My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of your loss. May the Lord give you Peace. ? "