George Folk

George Folk, age 94, of Milbank, passed away on March 12, 2023, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Father Gary DeRouchey will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday morning, one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and viewable below this obituary.

George Lucas Folk was born on February 18, 1929, in Milbank, SD. He was the son of Philip and Kathryn (Lemar) Folk. George grew up on the family farm. He attended country school at Geneseo, #3, which was a half mile from the farm. After his education, he farmed with his father. George was united in marriage with Berniece Bryngelson on September 29, 1947, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. They were blessed with three sons: Daryl, Bruce, and Curt.

George farmed for about five years, then drove milk truck for eight years for Valley Queen Cheese Factory. He did machinery work during the day for Cockshutt Tractors and drove milk truck at night. He worked for REA setting power poles and built stainless steel smoke houses for Flanery Meats. In 1960, the family moved to Twin Brooks, SD. George owned and operated Duffy’s Tavern and Mile-In Ballroom. He worked at Cold Spring Granite Company and also drove truck for Cargil. The family moved to Iowa and lived there 20 years.  George worked as a bartender at night and worked in a factory during the day. They returned to Milbank. After his retirement, George worked for his son, Curt, at Curt’s Auto and Sports Center.

George and Berniece enjoyed spending time at Big Stone Lake. They spent their summers at their trailer on Cramer’s Bay fishing, especially for perch, and enjoying the lake. George loved to play cards, especially Whist. George and Berniece danced…and danced…and danced! They were members of the Moose Club since 1987. George was a faithful member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and helped usher.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons: Bruce Folk (Tito Hydel) of Hackensack, NJ; and Curt Folk of Spearfish, SD; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Mead of Milbank, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Berniece; son, Daryl Folk; grandson, Nick Folk; brothers: Bob Folk, Joe Folk, Paul Folk; and sisters: Rose Kelly and Elenora Smith.