"Meredith was a wonderful teacher who touched the lives of many children. She had a joy for life that I will always remember. "
Our beautiful daughter Meredith Anne Folger passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home on March 27th, 2021 in Savage, Minnesota at the age of 40.
Meredith was born on November 27th, 1980 in Rochester, Minnesota to Neath and Doris (Nicloy) Folger. After graduating from Mayo High School in 1999, she went to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 2003 followed by a Master in Education & Professional Development in 2006.
Music and performing were a joy to Meredith in her youth. Although she started with Suzuki piano, it was her beautiful voice which led her to pursue singing with the Southeast Minnesota Honors Choir and perform in "Oliver" on stage. She was a skilled figure skater and performed in several Annual Rochester Figure Skating shows.
While working on her college degrees, she learned a lot about life and people as a waitress and later as a trainer at the Chi-Chi's restaurant in La Crosse. Drawn to those who experienced challenges in their own young lives, Meredith began her teaching career at the Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. She applied her creativity, imagination and innovation to teaching math, a subject that was not her strength, but succeeded in making it useful, enjoyable, and practical for her students. It was this spirit that was a feature in virtually every teaching opportunity Meredith seized from that point onward. Her passion to help students improve their reading comprehension was the focus of her Master's degree and subsequent work as a reading interventionalist. In this way, she touched many children and had a major impact on their lives. Just one such effort led to sponsoring a book drive for the reading library to address the summer slide that so many children experience. She also developed jointly with a colleague a music video on reading featured on Minnesota Public Radio (https://youtu.be/HFre2L38dKc). Still, her greatest joy remained in the classroom teaching students who struggled with reading and literacy.
Meredith was keen with financial responsibility, and known for her ability to find incredible deals, often generously gifted to the many who were fortunate enough to have known her. She was devoted to health and physical fitness and was an avid runner. With her son Parker, she participated in archery, trampoline and other outdoor sports but deferred to her fiancé, Lance, and her father (known affectionately by Parker as "Pop Pop") for help with Parker's love of Legos.
Meredith is survived by her former husband Ty Patrick Schloemer, and their son, Parker Buffet Schloemer, Trempealeau, WI; father Neath Folger, Rochester, MN; brothers Ryan (Alexis) Folger, Milwaukee, WI and Justin (Mindy) Folger, Lake Elmo, MN. She is preceded in death by her mother Doris Jean (Nicloy) Folger, Rochester, MN.
A private graveside service was held this week.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Folger family; to leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
"Meredith was a wonderful teacher who touched the lives of many children. She had a joy for life that I will always remember. "
"I will never forget Meredith?s caring, positive, and motivated spirit that she projected. She certainly made a difference in many children?s lives. "
"A GREAT TEACHER. ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP SCHOLARS AND TEACHERS! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID AT ACC!"
"Dear Neath, We are so saddened to read of the death of Meredith. It is hard to grasp and so painful. Our children Adam and Esther were classmates of Meredith and Justin. Neath, our thoughts are with you and your family, and we send you our deepest condolences. Moses and Margritt Rodriguez"
"Dear Neath we are sorry that you have suffered the loss of your daughter. Although we did not know her it is clear from the obituary that she was an accomplished woman and will be greatly missed by all who knew her but especially by you and your family,"
"Dear Neath we are sorry that you have suffered the loss of your daughter. Although we did not know her it is clear from the obituary that she was an accomplished woman and will be greatly missed by all who knew her but especially by you and your family. With love and sympathy, Fred and Eileen Nobrega"
"I am so sorry to learn of Meredith's passing. Meredith and I we friends at high school. I will always remember hanging out Friday nights, with no plans other than to watch a terrible movies and have a late night dinner at Perkins. Neath and family, my heart goes out to you."
"Neath and family, I am so sorry to hear of Meredith?s death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"My deepest condolences to her family. While I did not know Meredith personally, I heard wonderful stories of her from her father. My thoughts are with you all."
"I worked with Meredith both waitressing when we were young and then again years later in the public education sector. She was always so incredibly kind, motivated, caring, and positive. My condolences to her family. "
"My deepest condolences to the Folger family. Meredith was an amazing Woman and just a beautiful soul. I will always be better off for the time I got to spend with her in High School. She helped me through one of the toughest times in my life and for that i will be forever grateful. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Neath, you have my very deepest sympathy after hearing about your daughter passing. Hopefully all those wonderful memories of her will help you heal. I always enjoyed hearing stories about your family during all those years we spent in the EMG Lab. God Bless. Sherry Moyer"
"I'm so sorry! Meredith was a great friend, very fun to be around, loyal and interesting. I have fond memories of exchanging letters with her when your family lived in Florida. My deepest condolences. --Sandy Olson "
"Neath, so heart breaking to read that you lost your daughter. May you find comfort during this tragic time. You are a great and good man, and an excellent father. Take comfort in all the good you brought into your daughter?s life. Tom Bisig, colleague of Neath , at Mayo Clinic"
"My heartfelt condolences to your family. I always liked Meredith and her spunky personality. I hope you find comfort in your happy and loving memories. Colleen Worisek"
"Very sorry for your loss. Meredith did such wonderful things in her lifetime--may beautiful memories remain in your hearts. Sally Busse (PKA: Sally Lange)--I worked for Dr. Folger in Neurology for several years. Peace to your family."