Jean C. Folta

Jean Carlyn Folta, age 89, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill.  She was born on August 18, 1934 to the late Leslie and Anna (Beyer) Rajek in Merrill.  She attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  Jean met the love of her life, Joseph Folta, and the two were united in marriage on May 2, 1953, a loving union lasting over 70 years.  He survives.  Together, they raised their three children, Sue, Bill and Tammie.

When her children were young, Jean enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother and a homemaker.  As the children grew, Jean went and worked in food service for the school system, did seasonal work for Peterson / Latzig tree farms and worked at Merrill Iron and Steel.  She looked forward to going square dancing with Joe and would bowl in many leagues.  They would travel often, visiting Germany and going to Branson many times.  Jean and Joe also belonged to a camping group and would enjoy bringing their camper to many favorite spots.  She enjoyed golfing and would spend a lot of time in her huge flower and vegetable gardens.  Jean was an excellent cook and would enjoy canning the crops from her vegetable garden.  She was a skilled seamstress, and was a very health-conscious person.  Jean worked in the fair stands for church and also helped with luncheons at the church.  She was a loving and caring woman that had a strong faith in God. Jean and Joe loved attending all events that their grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved in. She was very generous and would look forward to family gatherings.  Jean was a member at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Red Hat Society and the square-dancing group, the Lincoln Squares.  She will be sadly missed.

Jean is survived by her loving husband: Joe Folta, daughters: Sue (Tom) Seslar and Tammie (Brian) Sladek, son: Bill (Dawn) Folta, 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 and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister: Lois Dorn and son-in-laws: Gary Peterson and Rob Rothmeyer.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jean will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.  Father Maria Vallabhaneni will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 9:00am until 10:45am at Waid Funeral Home.  Entombment will take place at the Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Jean’s name be directed to either the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or the Merrill Historical Society.

Family wishes to express a sincere thank you to all of the staff at Bell Tower Residence for their care and attention shown to Jean during her time there.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.