David Lee Folz

David Lee Folz passed away on September 28, 2024 at the age of 100 joining his wife, Ruth Willke Folz, of nearly 74 years.

Anyone who met Dave was immediately charmed by his friendliness, but it was his devout Catholic faith and lifelong commitment to living a moral, healthy life that defined him. Dave’s life was centered on his family and serving others.

Dave was born in Cincinnati, OH on August 8, 1924.   He lived down the street from Ruth Willke whom he would later marry.  Dave graduated from Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, OH where he was a member of the yearbook staff and lettered in sports participating in basketball, field and captaining the swim team.  He attended Xavier University in their ROTC program.  In 1943, he joined the Navy.  As an Ensign, Naval Aviation, he served in the Pacific theater for three years and was awarded his gold wings.  His favorite plane was the F4U Corsair. After four years with the Navy, he returned home to finish his degree at the University of Cincinnati.

Dave and Ruth were married in a Christmas ceremony in 1949.  After spending time in Cincinnati, Lexington, and Knoxville, they moved to Fort Thomas, KY, across the river from Cincinnati, where he managed a concrete plant responsible for the early runways at the Greater Cincinnati Airport. He stayed in the concrete business moving the family to Kettering, OH and then Springfield, OH, in 1972.  After retiring from Kuhns Concrete, he was a realtor with Real Estate II.

His most important job was raising his 10 kids with Ruth. He was always involved with them and their multiple sports–coaching or cheering–and academic activities.  The annual family camping trips were memorable.  He and Ruth produced 10 college graduates of which they were very proud.

Over the years, Dave was active in his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce, and Sertoma where he was awarded the 1991 Man Of The Year. Dave volunteered his time to St. Teresa Parish, Hospice, and Oakwood Village.

Dave held many interests and had a very active and inquisitive mind.  He was well read, played bridge, and traveled, mostly to visit his children and grandchildren.  Into his eighties, he continued to swim regularly and play master league softball. He was always willing to help anyone who needed his help. He had a great sense of humor, with which he always surprised the family.  He enjoyed getting together with his friends, the Friday lunches with the guys, the Friday night dinners with friends, and the Sunday brunches after mass.  For over 60 years, Dave and his high school buddies got together monthly for a penny ante poker game.

He is survived by 9 of his 10 children Dave (Lori Ann) of Dallas, TX, Jeanne (Dave) Dearth of Denton, TX, Jerry (Stacie Boney) of Evanston, IL, Mary (Tim) Callahan of Reading, MI, Nancy (Scott) Murphy of Somers, MT, Peggy (Tad Bristow) of Indianapolis, IN, Andy (Lisa) of El Cajon, CA, Susan (Phil) West of Westerville, OH, and Sally (Jeff) Predmore of Carlisle, PA. The legacy continues with 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Ruth nee Willke Folz, and his son, Joe, his parents, Leo and Mary Folz, and his siblings, Margaret (Frank) Lindhardt and Roger (Betty) Folz.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Teresa Church on November 9th at 9:30 am.

Dave will be interred with Ruth at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH, where his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great great-grandparents who arrived in this country in 1833, are also interred.

Arrangements entrusted to the JONES-KENNEY-ZECHMAN FUNERAL HOME. Condolences may be shared with Dave’s family by visiting www.jkzfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Teresa Church at Give (wesharegiving.org)

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