We Live in Hearts We Leave Behind~Thomas Campbell

A funeral was held this morning for 76-year-old Wilbert O. "Big Willie" Folkerts of Ste. Genevieve who died Friday, April 23rd at his residence.

He was born January 12th, 1929 in Lemay, the son of Fritz and Elsa (Von Strerkman) Folkerts, who both preceded him in death.

He married Virginia Brake. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include: three sons and two daughters in law, Wilbert "Little Willie" and Mary Folkerts of Bloomsdale, Raymond and Sharon Folkerts of St. Mary and Roy Folkerts of Ste. Genevieve; a daughter and son in law, Margie and Gary Hogenmiller of Ste. Genevieve; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Kurt and Katie Hogemiller, Travis and Adam Folkerts, Amy Martin and her husband Kevin, Chris Folkerts and his wife Nadine, Angie Litton and her husband James, Julie Folkerts and Michael; eight great grandchildren, Mandy, Lindsey, Emily, Nathan, Tyler, Lewis, Zachary and Mackenzi; a true and beloved friend, Helen Bauer and her family, Susan Knight, Roberta Helms, Barbara, Angie, Tyler and Andrew; two sisters, Donna Lutz and Susie Wayland, both of Ohio; nieces; nephews; cousins and many dear friends also survive.

Three sisters, Margie Zeka, Ruth Davis and Gladys Folkerts and two brothers, Louis and Erwin Folkerts, also preceded him in death.

He was a member of Elks Lodge No. 2674 in Ste. Genevieve. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, horseshoes, playing cards and going to flea markets.

A funeral for 76-year-old Wilbert "Big Willie" Folkerts Sr. of Ste. Genevieve was held this morning at the Wood Family Funeral Home. Burial was in the Crestlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Memorial Fund at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital.