James R. Folkman, 76, Hobart, passed away Monday, February 27, 2023. Born November 21, 1946, to Elmer and Elma (Specht) Folkman, Jim graduated from Pulaski High School in 1965. Following high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam until 1967. After his time in the Marines, he attended school in Rice Lake, and then returned home to work on the family farm in 1970, buying it in 1972.
On November 8, 1975, he married Kathryn Hovie. Together they farmed in the town of Angelica, where they raised their family. During this time, Jim was active in local politics, serving on the Shawano County Board for 10 years and was also Chairman for the Angelica Town Board.
Jim loved the outdoors; he was always ready to share a story about his time spent fishing or his numerous trips to Colorado for elk hunting. He shared his love of nature and spirit for adventure with his family during many family camping trips across the country. Later in life, as health issues made it more difficult to continue those activities, Jim was not to be deterred. His family will always remember his many (sometimes complicated and far-fetched) ideas of how he could continue to participate in his favorite activities. Memories of him riding his bike around town or spending time on the boat with his family will serve as a source of strength and a reminder that when life gets tough, sometimes you just need to think outside the box a little in order to still find joy.
Jim will be deeply missed by survivors: children: Matt (Jenny) Folkman, Britton, SD, Tarra (Mike) Gallagher, Green Bay, Eric (Joanna) Folkman, Green Bay, and Ryan (Jennifer) Folkman, Pulaski; grandchildren: Abby, Emily, Kaitlyn, Benjamin, Nathan, Jacob, Grace, Mark, Zachary, Delaney, Cassidy, Asher, Joshua, Logan, Brielle, and another grandson he was looking forward to meeting this spring; brother, Bill (Florence) Folkman, Krakow; sisters-in-law, Debbie (Joe Oskey) Mueller, Pulaski, and Pam (Cliff) Landwerlen, Jamestown, IN; many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; parents, Elmer & Elma Folkman; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gloria & Mel Hovie; sisters, Elaine (Ruben) Buchholz, Arly (Bob) Buntrock, Bev (John) Anderson; and brother Dewey (Shirley) Folkman.
Friends are invited to gather with family at Marnocha Funeral Home, 186 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, on Saturday, March 4, from 2-4 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at 4 p.m. with Pastor Stuart Dornfeld officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Pulaski Area Veterans following the service. Burial will be in Spring in Our Savior Lutheran Cemetery, Lessor.
The family would like to thank the staff at Aurora Hospital and Rennes Rehab for the compassionate care provided to Jim.