John Joseph Folta

John Joseph Folta, beloved husband, father, papa and friend, passed away on January 13, 2025, surrounded by his daughters. He was born on July 29, 1946, in Mount Clemens, Michigan. He was raised in New Baltimore, Michigan on the Folta farm and graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School. John was married to the love of his life, Shirley, for 56 years. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters whom he was immensely proud of. He is survived by Sheri Folta and wife Cass Varner, and Vicki (Folta) McGovern and husband Bill; as well as his two beloved grandchildren, Ian and Julia McGovern. He is deeply missed by his brother Edward Folta and his sister Arlene (Folta) Serafin. He is preceded in death by his sister Theresa (Folta) Jahn and his parents Mary (Kuzdzal) and Walter Folta. After graduation, John took a sales position with Ecolab and he and Shirley relocated to Stevensville, Michigan. John worked for Ecolab for 33 years, both in west Michigan and Flint Michigan. After retiring, he obtained his real estate license, and worked at Stanz Foodservice, before retiring for real. He loved being a dad, talking to people, and learning new things. He was an accomplished woodworker and found great joy in giving others the pieces he created such as toys for his grandchildren and Christmas mangers. More recently he delved into lapidary, tumbling the beautiful stones found on the shores of Lake Michigan. He was also an avid hunter and looked forward to his yearly deer hunting trip with his brother-in-law and nephews. John was an active volunteer in the Lakeshore Lions Club for more than 40 years. He asked for memorial donations to be given to the Lakeshore Lions Club, PO Box 11, Stevensville MI, 49127. Memorial visitation will be held on February 20, 2025, from 4 to 7pm at the Wasik Funeral Home - Gendernalik Chapel located at 35259 - 23 Mile Road in New Baltimore, MI 48047. A Memorial Mass will be held on February 21, 2025, at 11am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 9764 Dixie Hwy in Ira Township, MI 48023. A luncheon will be held for family and friends following the service at New Age Noodles, 79 N Main St, Mount Clemens, Michigan. The family is forever grateful to John’s great nephew Josh for hosting his celebration of life with great food, stories and laughter.

John Joseph Folta

July 29, 1946 - January 13, 2025