Wayne Folz

We celebrate the life of Wayne Folz, 76, who passed away peacefully at his home. Born July 17, 1946, Wayne graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1964. He shared three children with Diane Folz – Jeff (Cheryl) Folz of Evansville, Lacy (Scott Wilhelmus) Hanmore of Evansville, and Abby (Ryan) Vaal of Carmel. Nothing was more important to him than his family, and he was happiest when surrounded by his loving grandchildren: Brooklynn, Clara, Hope, Sylvia, Nolan, Emily and Vince. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Wayne is survived by his three brothers, George, Irvin (Diana) and Tim. Preceding him in death were his parents, Sylvester and Marcella (Kaffenberger) Folz; sisters Pam Miles and Sondra Reich; sister-in-law Angie (Anderson) Folz; and brother-in-law Kenneth “Butch” Miles. Wayne was many things to many people. He was the kind of guy who knew the answers to life’s most pressing questions, like “What kind of tree is that?” and “Why won’t this darn thing turn on?” He enjoyed helping others and his patient and tempered demeanor made him an ideal teacher who fostered a sense of curiosity in everyone lucky enough to learn from him. “Giving it away is how you keep it” was an oft-repeated motto that guided his life, and he made a habit of sharing his knowledge and skills with the world. He gave his help and time freely and without reservation. Wayne retired from Evana Automation in 2009 after a long career as a respected mold maker, and his hobbies and passions were so prolific and varied that capturing them all in the space provided here is an impossible task. An avid outdoorsman, Wayne was particularly fond of boating, fishing, arrowhead hunting and camping with his family and friends. He was a master artisan and woodworker who could construct magic from any material imaginable. He played countless card games and executed practical jokes with disturbing proficiency. He was the proprietor of a Christmas tree farm. He built when something needed to be built, and he fixed when something needed to be fixed. A good meal was often his preferred form of payment. Wayne Folz – son, brother, husband, father, pawpaw, colleague and friend – died a happy and fulfilled man. The gap he leaves in our lives is only outweighed by the immense gift of his presence, charm and love – aspects of the man that will continue to live on long after the man himself. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, from 2 to 7 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) at Pierre Funeral Home in Evansville. A brief service will be held at Pierre Funeral Home on Thursday, November 10 at 10 a.m. CST followed by burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Evansville. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Wayne Folz

July 17, 1946 - November 4, 2022