Norman E. Folk

Rev. Norman “Norm” E. Folk, age 96, of Upper Sandusky, passed away at 1:32 PM, on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky.

Norman was born on June 21, 1924 in Marion, Ohio, to Marion and Lulu (Retterer) Folk. Norman was married to Ruth A. Courtad on Jun 12, 1945 and she passed away on July 10, 2011 after 66 years of marriage.

Norman is survived by his sister in law Marilyn Spitler and Jane Courtad both of Upper Sandusky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son William Perry Folk who passed away at the age of one, his brother Walter, his sister Alice, sister in law Wanda Courtad, and brothers in law James R. Courtad and Merle Courtad.

Norman graduated from Mt. Victory High School in 1943 and went on to join the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving during World War II and received a commendation ribbon for his “outstanding performance of duty” while onboard a United States P.T. Boat of Motor Torpedo Squadron 29 that was operating in the Ligurian Sea the night of October 22-23, 1944. The P.T. boat was fired upon which ignited an ammunition box and disabled one of the three engines. Norman acted quickly to put out the fire which would have given away their position to the attacking ships.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Norm attended University of Findlay where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a focus on theology. After graduating, Norm ministered at the former Rock Run Church of God Upper Sandusky for many years. Norm retired after 70 years of service in various churches Upper Sandusky, Rising Sun, and Celina, Ohio.

Norm also served as the probation officer with the juvenile court, the auditor and clerk of court for Upper Sandusky, was a deputy sheriff for Wyandot County, and he worked as a teller at Commercial Savings Bank. In his spare time Norm also worked by hanging wallpaper, painting, re-caning chairs, and repairing furniture.  He enjoyed whittling, and delivered newspapers for The Daily Chief Union in his later years for the exercise, and was recognized as the oldest newspaper carrier in 2016 at age 92. Norm was also very proud that he wrote the entire Bible by hand and was part way through his second time before he passed.

Norm enjoyed going to The Corner Inn for breakfast and Bob Evan’s for dinner every day that he could. The staff knew him by name and had his usual order memorized.

Norman was a long time member and secretary for Kiwanis International in Upper Sandusky, a member of the Lions Club in Celina, and the Senior Citizens Club in Upper Sandusky.

A memorial service for Norman Folk will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, and will be officiated by Chaplain Steve Sturgeon. Burial will take place at Old Mission Cemetery with military honors by the Wyandot County Color Guard. 

Visitations will be held on Wednesday, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the service. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Wyandot County Council on Aging and can be sent to Lucas-Batton at 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351. 

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