Norman David Folts

In Loving Memory of Norman D. Folts

9 August 1929 - 17 March 2025

We announce with sadness, and gratitude for his time with us on this Earth, the passing of Norman David Folts on March 17th, 2025 at the age of 95.

Norm began his journey in life on the Folts Farmstead, Walworth County, WI on the 9th of August 1929, as the second child of Karl Vincent Folts and his mother Marie Eloise (Baldwin) Folts. He was also welcomed by his Grandparents, William Allen Arthur Folts and Magdelena Belling Folts who also lived at the Farmstead, as was the tradition in those days. Norm grew up with his older sister Karyl and enjoyed the adventure of learning about life on the Folts Farm, founded by his Great Grandfather David and brothers in 1853. Norm was involved with Agriculture from childhood until his passing.

Norm attended school in Darien and graduated from Delavan High School in 1947. He played sports and retained many of his high school friendships well into his 70’s. Norm entered the University of Wisconsin at Madison in the fall of 1947 and joined the Wisconsin Rowing Crew. He was known on campus as the crew guy who drove around in a ’47 CJ-2 Jeep painted in Malibu Yellow. There was a story of Norm giving tours of the campus, top down in the Jeep, to young co-eds until the police took exception to his driving on the College of Agriculture’s sidewalks. Norm graduated Summa Cum Laude from the UW College of Agriculture in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science. He married Harriet Sasse that same year and then was drafted into the US Army in June, attending Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, KY. Norm and Harriet would then travel in a 1941 Ford coupe to his duty assignment at Fort Detrick, MD where he served from 1952-1954.

Norm left the Army in 1954 and returned to home in Walworth County, WI and helped his father on the Family Farm. He accepted employment with Libby, McNeill, and Libby (Libby’s) in Janesville in 1955 and worked his way up in the company from pea vining station operator to farm manager and in early 1962, moved with his wife and three sons to Rochester, MN where he managed contract agriculture operations with Libby’s in southeastern Minnesota.

In 1969, Norm, Harriet, the three boys and daughter Laura returned to Janesville, WI where Norm was the Manager of all Contract Agriculture in Southern Wisconsin for Libby’s until accepting the Plant Manager position at Libby's frozen food plant in Darien in 1977.

Norm retired from his Libby’s and Larsen Company career in 1994. He continued to manage the Folts Farm until 2024.

Norm was the embodiment of the family man. He and Harriet raised four children, Dan (1954), David (1956), Douglas (1959), and Laura (1968). They took many car trips in a Desoto station wagon, later a Pontiac station wagon, and enjoyed many family outings exploring southeastern Minnesota, Loon Lake (in Wisconsin), and long trips to visit Harriet’s sister’s family in Florida.

Dan, David and Douglas helped keep up the Folts Farm under his tutelage, which did include long hours on tractors, swinging a hoe, and painting out-buildings.

Norm and Harriet enjoyed much of their retired life traveling and then relocating to Madison, AL in 2007 to be with Laura’s children as they grew up.

Norm leaves behind his wife of 73 years, Harriet; children Daniel, David (Silvia), Douglas (Susan), Laura (John); grandchildren Patrick (Alicia), Emma (Peter), Ashley and Ryan; and future great-grandchild from Emma.

Norm enjoyed singing in church and Barbershop choruses. His Barbershop quartet sung at his son David’s wedding in 1980. Norm was active in the Boy Scouts leadership in Rochester, MN, and from the mid 1960’s until 2020, was a ham radio operator along with membership in the Air Force Military Affiliate Radio System. (AFMARS)

Norm was a long-time active member of the American Legion, Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester, MN where he taught Sunday School, Cargill United Methodist Church in Janesville, WI, and Asbury United Methodist Church of Madison, AL.

Norm was the fourth generation to farm an original Wisconsin farmstead. From 1955 until 1994, he brought innovations in contract agriculture, field equipment development to increase harvesting labor productivity, and introduction of science and technology services that increased yields and reduced pesticide usage in vegetable crops. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and perseverance, cherished by his family and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, March 24th 10:00 am with visitation at 9:30, at Legacy Chapel, 16 Hughes Road, Madison AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Legion in his honor.

Rest in peace, Norman Folts. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.