Carl Folkert ’74

Carl John Folkert, born January 4, 1952, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 5, 2024, due to complications of cancer.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Barbara Koop Folkert ’74; his daughter and daughter-in-law, Kate Folkert ’99 and Erin Overmeyer; his daughter and son-in-law, Libby ’00 and Matthew McKinley; his son and daughter-in-law, Tim ’03 and Sara Folkert; and his five wonderful grandchildren, Asher, Canon, and Alaia Folkert, and Claire and Reece McKinley.

Carl is also survived by his brothers Dave and Jane Folkert and Alan and Judi Folkert, his in-laws, Mary Lynn Arwady, Brian and Cathy Koop, Janet and Roger Brondyke, and many loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hulda and Irvin Folkert, his father- and mother-in-law, Harvey and Mary Lou Koop, and his nephew, Brett Folkert.

Carl was a graduate of Hamilton High School, a proud alumnus of Hope College, and received his Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary. He was a minister in the Reformed Church of America for 25 years, serving Spring Valley Reformed Church in Fulton, IL, and Covenant Community Church in Hudsonville, MI. He then changed careers and entered the computer world with Macatawa Technologies. He later purchased the home portion of that business and started Black Lake Home Tech.

Carl appreciated and valued his family, and the many people he served in the church and his business over his lifetime.