Mickey Folz was born in 1936 in Evansville, Indiana. His family moved to Phoenix in 1941. He attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1955. He was a longtime physical education teacher and sports coach for the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix grade schools St. Francis, St. Louis the King, and St. Gregory’s.
Mickey is survived by his wife of 63 years; Peggie (nee Evans); son, Cory; daughter, Judy (John) Holbeck; grandchildren: Casey Mahoney, Ellee Forsythe, and Brenton Holbeck. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lesa Mahoney/Forsythe; son, Brian; and brother, Bill Folz and sister Virginia Geare.
From an early age Mickey excelled in athletics and was a small-town star as quarterback at St Mary’s High. He was rewarded with a scholarship to New Mexico State University where he played football for three seasons. With a fledging family to support, he worked a variety of jobs: bread delivery, candy salesman, and painter. In 1971 he was offered a teaching position at his alma mater: St. Francis Grade School, he jumped at the chance – eventually teaching and influencing children for 28 years. Upon retirement his wife Peggie and he traveled and enjoyed their cabin in Pinewood. He also managed his own window washing business until the age of 80.
Mickey was a loving husband and father. A true friend to many people from all walks of life, a hard, loyal worker, and a reverent member of the Catholic Church. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on.
A Funeral Mass will be said on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., with a reception to follow afterwards. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to: The Society St. Vincent de Paul P.O. Box 13600, Phoenix, Arizona 85002.
Michael Sheedy
Coach was both my mentor and my friend. I played for him from 4th through 8th grade and coached with him for 2 years after that. What an experience! He was a genuine soul and molded so many people with his wisdom and skills. I will miss him!
Fred Haynes
I was in the same class as Bill Folz and knew Virginia. Also went steady with (cousin?) Suzy for 2 1/2 years in the late forties. Wonderful family
MaryBeth Mueller
Please accept my sympathy and prayers on the loss of Mickey! He served our Catholic schools with commitment and dedication. The students knew he loved them and cared about their well being! A good and faithful servant!
God’s Blessings
MaryBeth Mueller Retired Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Phoenix
Gerry Ladensack
Thanks to Mickey for being a great person and a coach. In 1976 he asked me to join him at St. Francis, I am a ’68 grad of this fine school, to help coach football. I watched him work his magic on the kids and get them to play as a team. St. Francis won the Championship over St. Theresas that year. Inspired by his wisdom and ability to use humor while maintaining and building these young kids, I went on to coach at different schools and am still coaching today. The memories he left me was to always smile and push to the next level. I truely appreciated his friendship . Gerry Ladensack.
Keith Hamilton
My best friend from grade school and I graduated from St. Francis in 1978 and still keep in touch over the past 40 years. Many times those conversations have been about what a great man and coach Mickey Foltz was and how blessed we were to have in our lives at that age. We won several championships in our years with Coach Foltz leading the way, but is the example he set for us that lives on. My condolences to his family and thanks to God for a wonderful man.
Keith Hamilton