It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Gerald Folkerts at Riverview Health Center on May 30th, 2009, at the age of 51.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Arlis, and their children, Jared (Dana, grandchildren, Xavier and Shaela), Janis, Jesse, and Brendan. Also left to remember him are his mother, Anna Folkerts, and parents-in-law, Arend and Rosella Wassink. He will be missed by family members Harry (MaryAnne), John (Wendy), Ken (Alice), Rudy (Shirley), Liz (Melvin), Hans, Janice (Roger), Hilaine (Roger), Cornie (Deb), Gloria (Ken), as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gerald was predeceased by his father, Andy Folkerts, nephew, David Folkerts, and infant nephews, Travis VanWhye, Matthew Alons, and Seth Folkerts.
Gerald was a loving husband, and a wonderful father and grandfather. His great love besides his family was his art. Gerald was an artist who worked at home out of his third-floor "gravel road" studio. He was devoted to painting art that invited viewers to reflect upon, and sometimes wrestle with, allusive, suggestion-rich and deeply relevant images. Gerald was dedicated to living out his Christian beliefs and loved the less fortunate. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. There are too many experiences that we still crave, but we're blessed by the memories we have.
Thank you to the staff at Riverview, CancerCare, and the Palliative Community Team. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been set up for Gerald's children. Donations may be dropped off at Crosstown Civic Credit Union (1200 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg) or Covenant Christian Reformed Church (653 Knowles Ave., Winnipeg). Donations may be mailed to: P.O. Box #28080, 1795 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, MB, R2G 4E9.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave., on June 6th, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Arlis, and their children, Jared (Dana, grandchildren, Xavier and Shaela), Janis, Jesse, and Brendan. Also left to remember him are his mother, Anna Folkerts, and parents-in-law, Arend and Rosella Wassink. He will be missed by family members Harry (MaryAnne), John (Wendy), Ken (Alice), Rudy (Shirley), Liz (Melvin), Hans, Janice (Roger), Hilaine (Roger), Cornie (Deb), Gloria (Ken), as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gerald was predeceased by his father, Andy Folkerts, nephew, David Folkerts, and infant nephews, Travis VanWhye, Matthew Alons, and Seth Folkerts.
Gerald was a loving husband, and a wonderful father and grandfather. His great love besides his family was his art. Gerald was an artist who worked at home out of his third-floor "gravel road" studio. He was devoted to painting art that invited viewers to reflect upon, and sometimes wrestle with, allusive, suggestion-rich and deeply relevant images. Gerald was dedicated to living out his Christian beliefs and loved the less fortunate. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. There are too many experiences that we still crave, but we're blessed by the memories we have.
Thank you to the staff at Riverview, CancerCare, and the Palliative Community Team. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been set up for Gerald's children. Donations may be dropped off at Crosstown Civic Credit Union (1200 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg) or Covenant Christian Reformed Church (653 Knowles Ave., Winnipeg). Donations may be mailed to: P.O. Box #28080, 1795 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, MB, R2G 4E9.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave., on June 6th, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.
7 comments:
I remember sometime last year when I was singing with Gerald's worship team. We were practicing a number of songs, but one of them was "Soon and Very Soon".
Despite Gerald's self-publicized difficulty with rhythym, he pulled out the tambourine and we had such an amazing worship time practicing with our team.
Now I just think of the powerful, comfort in the simple words of that song...
"Hallelujah, Hallelujah, we're going to see the king!"
My prayers are with you as your life changes, and moves along without Gerald, but may you be comforted by the fact that he has gone to be with the King.
Peace be with you.
Gerald's dedication to his family was inspiring. Even through the treatments he still faithfully showed up to watch his son during his games and tournaments. He was a real testament to those that never show up for their kids games!!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Having been there myself a couple of months ago I know exactly what you are all going through. I will pray that God's strength will sustain you all through the coming weeks and months.
Leanne Ulrich
I was Gerald's track coach and Dean of Students at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa when Gerald was a student/athlete there. I also had the blessing of being the master of ceremonies at Gerald and Arlis' wedding. Their gift to me was one of Gerald's wonderful prints which is still displayed in our home.
Gerald was a servant of God with great integrity, honesty, originality, and of course, creativity. He will be God's special artist in the new heaven and earth.
My heart goes to Arlis, the children, grandchildren, and all Gerald's relatives during this time of great loss.
Marion Van Soelen
I was so sad to find and read this. I invited Gerald to attend an art show I was organizing at Villa Maria several years ago, on spirituality base art.
I was totally amazed and stunned when I saw his work, it was truely the work of a master. I found Gerald to be one of the most humble and deeply spiritual persons I have ever met, and have thought of him fondly over the years. I am deeply saddened to read of his passing, and offer my best wishes to his family. He is a great human being and artist.
God bless.
Just was thinking of Mr Folkerts and wanted to share. He taught jr high art to me, covering a mat leave. He was so kind, caring and jovial. Later when I worked at a coffee shop, I loved seeing him whenever he would come in. He always had a smile and a few kind words. I wanted any family monitoring this to know he touched my life and left a lasting impression.
Just was thinking of Mr Folkerts and wanted to share. He taught jr high art to me, covering a mat leave. He was so kind, caring and jovial. Later when I worked at a coffee shop, I loved seeing him whenever he would come in. He always had a smile and a few kind words. I wanted any family monitoring this to know he touched my life and left a lasting impression.
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