Obituary of Milford Folkers

Milford Folkers, age 89 of Apple Valley, MN and formerly of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, February 06, 2013 at the Augustana Health Care Center in Apple Valley, MN. Gathering and prayer service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, with Military Graveside Rites by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 Honor Guard and the SDARNG Honor Guard. Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Friday, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD. Milford Carlton was born on June 17, 1923 in Osmond, NE to Leo and Selma (Petersen) Folkers. He served in WWII as a marine in all major conflicts including the Pacific Theatre, Guam, China, and Okinawa. When he came home, he married his sweetheart Marge Atherton on October 20, 1947 in Osmond, NE, and went to trade school in Milford, NE for auto body repair. They moved to Yankton where he worked at Pfeiffer Chevrolet. He then joined forces with Ray Livingston where he co-owned Modern Body Shop in Yankton for over 25 yrs. After he retired, he couldn't sit still so he drove school bus for a few years. After the death of his wife, he moved to Arizona to pan for gold, visit his daughter, Sharon and enjoy warm weather for a change. In 2003, he was convinced to move back up to the cold country and settled in Apple Valley, MN to be closer to his grandkids. He was living there when he passed away peacefully. During his life, he also enjoyed woodworking, farming, traveling, and flying airplanes. So much so, that he built a two seater plane in his garage. He was also a member of the VFW. He will be missed by his children and grandchildren. Those who will cherish his memory are his children: Deb Biesman of Apple Valley, MN, Sharon (Bennett) Beaudry of Scottsdale, AZ, Pat (Wayne) Waggoner of Apple Valley, MN, Doug (Linda) Folkers of Yankton, SD, and Michele (Tim) Heinen of Lakeville, MN; six grandchildren; a brother, Eldred (Amy) Folkers and nieces and nephews. Milford was preceded in death by his wife, Marge, his parents, two brothers, Lester Folkers and Ronald Folkers.