FOLK, CHARLES

Charles Folk was born February 2, 1911 in Mullen, Nebraska. His parents were Theo-dore and Anna Folk. Charles graduated from Mullen High School in 1926 and then pur-chased a dump truck to haul dirt from various construction companys. In 1930 he started working for The Franke Construction Com-pany, and after three years started keeping the firm's books. He later worked as foreman, and then as superintendent.

On July 4, 1931, Charles married Florence Pauline Wright, daughter of Grace and W.E. Wright. To this union there were five surviv-ing children born: Grace (Sallstrom) in 1932, Mary Louise (Schenck) in 1935, Kathryn (Hopper) in 1946, and Gary and Larry in 1949.

After Ole Franke died in 1950, Franke Construction Company was incorporated, and Charles became the president of the firm, working in the field and figuring bids for road lettings. His family lived in Scottsbluff from 1945-1952, when they returned to Mullen. He was elected County Surveyor in 1954 and 1958 and also served on the school board in Mullen in the sixties.

Charles and Pauline celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in July of 1971. Pauline died in December 1971. In March of 1974, Charles married Opal Wickman of Eli, Nebraska. Charles retired in 1975 when the Company was sold. At this time, he and Opal moved to her ranch south of Eli.

Charles has nineteen grandchildren.