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John Folkerth Obituary


News Death Notice

FOLKERTH, John Randolph 75, left this life December 19th at the Villages Hospital in Florida. He was an awesome husband for 54 years to Carolyn Folkerth and lived most of his life in Dayton. Son of Harold and Peg Folkerth, John is survived by two brothers, Gene (Anne), who live in The Villages, Florida, and Bruce (Betty), who live in Naples, Florida. He leaves three sons, John (Karen), Bob (Robin), and Dave, and nine grandchildren: Brooke, Kate, Whitney, Bill, Laura, Lisa, Lindsay, Allison, and Edward, to whom he was devoted. John started Shopsmith, Inc. in 1971, and served as Chairman and CEO for over 30 years. He attended Oakwood Schools, graduated from Baylor School in Chattanooga, and attended Vanderbilt University and the University of Dayton. John was a life-long member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakwood. In recent years he pursued his interest in golf and was a member of the Moraine Country Club. While his enthusiasm for the game was only exceeded by his handicap, he persevered. His spirit and smile will be dearly missed by a host of friends and relatives. Services will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on December 30th at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Dec. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Folkerth

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Ralph Livingston

January 7, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Folkerth family.

John's entrepreneurial spirit and personal sacrifice has made it possible for many thousands of us to enjoy the wonderful world of woodworking. In my case the "Shopsmith camaraderie" with my son and son-in-law cannot be measured in board feet.

The Calhouns

January 7, 2009

My condolences to John Folkerth's family. He has made a difference in the lives of many a woodworking enthusiast.

james grange

January 7, 2009

I think I speak for just about ALL Shopsmith owners but especially those of us who own Pre Shopsmith Inc. units. We are saddened by the news of John's passing but, we will be always grateful for his vision and persistence in the formation and continuation of Shopsmith Inc. He also made possible the introduction of the shopsmith philosophy to new generations. As I have previously stated on the Shopsmith forum...John RIP

Jason Nimz

January 6, 2009

I did not know John at all. I have never had the privilege of meeting the man, but his work through Shopsmith indeed has reached far in to this world. I just read of his passing on the Shopsmith website forums. My condolences.

His legacy will reach heights and depths you may never have imagined through Shopsmith. Through the many woodworkers that will use these superior products for years to come, Mr. Folkerth's memory will live on.

Dave Lehnert

January 6, 2009

When I was in my early teens I sent for info on the Mark V. At that time, at that age ,was not able to afford one. A couple of years after getting a job I purchased a Mark V. That was in 1989. I have enjoyed using it for years. It has given me great joy.
I got to meet John one night at a demo in Cincinnati Ohio. I found him very down to earth and could tell right away was a very good person.
Thanks John for years of enjoyment your company, your woodworking equipment has given me in the past and well into the future.
RIP.

Steve Jefferis

December 31, 2008

To Mrs. Carolyn Folkerth, John Jr. Bob and of course my old friend Dave:

John Randolph Folkerth made this world a better place for lots of people. I wish you all courage and strength.

Larry Stein

December 29, 2008

Hi Carolyn; We were saddened to hear of John's passing and please accept our deepest sympathies. John was a good friend to all and a fun guy on the golf course. His ability to hit the ball while closing the face was indeed remarkable.

Lou and Larry Stein

Larry Blank

December 28, 2008

I was so sadden to hear of John's passing. John was the major influence on my career. He was my boss, my mentor and most of all, my friend. We had great times together at Shopsmith. He was respected by all for his kindness and entrepreneurial spirit. John will have a special place in my heart and his memories will live on always.
Carolyn and Family--Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Karen & Mark Seebach

December 27, 2008

Our condolences go out to the entire Folkerth family, Carolyn, JR, Bob, Dave, all the wives and grandchildren. I am very grateful to John as Shopsmith gave me my first full time job back in 1980 - still with the company after all these years. John will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched. May God be with all of you during this difficult time.

John Horazdovsky

December 26, 2008

My heart and prayers go out to the Folkerth Family. I only worked at Shopsmith for two years, during that time John was always friendly and easy to talk too. It was a pleasure to work for him. There will always be a place in my heart for him, his family and Shopsmith.

Betty (Dean) Copeland

December 26, 2008

Dear Carolyn and sons - please accept our deepest sympathies.

John's first Shopsmith secretary.

Bob and Linda Nevin

December 26, 2008

We are so sorry John is gone . We will miss his gentle nature and great smile. His love of family was something to envy.His pursuit of golf and lowing his handicap was always a topic of conversation.

Ned Folkerth

December 26, 2008

Indeed, Uncle John's spirit and smile will be dearly missed. He has left us so many fond memories. I wish I could see you all, but I will be making a toast from Portland on the 30th!

My deepest condolences to Carolyn, J.R., Bob, Dave, Dad, Bruce and all the Grandkids and dear friends.

Michael Murray

December 26, 2008

My condolences are with you at this very hard time. John was a great man and a pleasure to work for. I only worked for him for about 5 years but I have many great memories. He will be missed.

Lyn McGee

December 26, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Carolyn and her family, and to my dear friends Bruce & Betty Folkerth and Gene & Anne Folkerth. I pray God's love will surround you through this time.

Brooke Folkerth

December 25, 2008

Bompoo, we love and miss you dearly. We will always cherish the wonderful memories you have left us with.

Love always,
Your grandkids,
Brooke, Kate, Bill, Whitney, Laura, Lisa, Lindsay, Allison, and Edward

Tom Burkheimer

December 24, 2008

I first met John back in 1978, when I went to work for Shopsmith, Inc. I had many enjoyable and memorable conversations with John in my 20+ years working with him. He will be missed...not only by his family, but also the many, many friends that he made over the years.
My best wishes for Carolyn, JR, Bob, and Dave.

Debbi and Mike Young

December 24, 2008

Our deepest condolences to Carolyn, J.R., Bob and Dave. We will both be eternally grateful to John during our time with Shopsmith, and fondly remember what a truly nice man he was.

Gene Folkerth

December 24, 2008

To our super brother and friend, John. We sure will miss you in the coming years. Thank you for always being there for us and we will be united on the other shore! Love, Your brother Gene and sister-in-law, Annie B. P.S. Love and hugs to all John's family and friends.

Anthony Vradelis

December 24, 2008

Our condolences to Carolyn and to his children, grandchildren, brothers and other family members.

John was a fun guy to play golf with; he had that loopy swing with the club face closed but he managed to pull it off with some success much to amazement of his playing partners and to brother Gene who possessed a classic swing and golf game.

May God Bless John and may he rest in Peace.

Karmen and Tony Vradelis

David Hartsock

December 24, 2008

David Hartsock

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