Joseph F. Folta

Joseph F. Folta, age 91, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill. He was born August 7, 1932, in Merrill to the late Simon and Otillie Folta. He met the love of his life, Jean Rajek, and the two were united in marriage on May 2,1953, a loving union lasting over 70 years. Together, they raised their three children, Sue, Bill, and Tammie.

Joe enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. He served in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1953. Joe worked for GTE for over thirty years. He worked as an installer and repairman and eventually took a position as a switching tech. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He excelled at woodworking and made several keepsakes. In younger years, Joe enjoyed playing baseball and slow-pitch. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was a Fourth Degree Knight and was a Past Grand Knight.

Joe and Jean looked forward to going square dancing. They traveled often, visiting Germany and going to Branson many times. Joe and Jean also belonged to a camping group and would enjoy bringing their camper to many favorite spots. They loved attending all events that their grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved in.

Joe is survived by his children, Sue (Tom) Seslar, Bill (Dawn) Folta, and Tammie (Brian) Sladek, all of Merrill; grandchildren, Chris (Marie) Peterson, Erin (Matt) Koehler, Derrick (Jenny) Seslar, Amanda (Mike) Juech, Mark (Jessica) Folta, Brian (Lindsey) Folta, Kyle (Sarah) Rothmeyer, Jared (Erin) Rothmeyer, Jimmy Sladek, and Renee Sladek; great-grandchildren, Greta, Garik, Will, Evelyn, Colton, Thea, Marcella, Elsie, Isabel, Hector, Hattie, Hazel, Graham, and Sutton; brother-in-law, Rick (Linda) Dorn of Merrill; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Folta; parents, Simon and Otillie Folta; brothers, Robert Folta, Paul Folta, Emil (Alvina) Folta, infant Franz Folta, and Frank (Lucille) Folta; sons-in-law, Gary Peterson and Rob Rothmeyer; and sister-in-law, Lois Dorn.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the Assisi Hall at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. Father Charles Hoffmann and Deacon John Bourke will preside. The entombment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Wednesday in the Assisi Hall. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Joe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus or the Merrill Historical Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com