Michael Anthony Folk, 38, Iola, died Sunday, April 3, 2016, following a motorcycle accident near Belvue.
Michael was born Aug. 16, 1977, to Cindi (Folk) VanHouden and Edward Ortiz. He was later adopted by his grandparents John R. (Tom) and Jerri S. Folk. He married Kristi Beerbower in Las Vegas in 2011 and they later divorced. To this union two sons were born, Rayce Thomas Folk and Keaton Michael Folk, Yates Center. He later had a daughter, Alayna K. Folk, Bird City.
In Michael’s younger years he worked for Norman Bell Oil and Folk Brothers Drilling. At the time of his death he worked for the Boilermakers Local Union 83 as a welder out of Kansas City, Mo., for the last 19 years.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandfather, John R. (Tom) Folk, and aunt, Janeen R. Wilson.
Besides his children, he is survived by his mother, Cindi (Folk) VanHouden and husband Chris, Iola; father Edward Ortiz and wife Beth, Humboldt; grandmother Jerri S. Folk, Iola; brother Russell VanHouden and Nicole, Iola; two sisters, Nicole Gardner and Joshia, Coffeyville, and Sarah Ortiz, Humboldt; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Michael’s main passion in his life was spending time with his three children, racing racecars and just living every day the best he could.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Covenant of Faith Christian Center, 407 N. Chestnut, in Iola. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) and may be left with the funeral home. To leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
