COLUMBUS
Jeffrey R. Follendorf, 67, of Columbus, died unexpectedly at 2:56 p.m. at his residence.
Jeff graduated Lincoln High School in 1968 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin Stout, graduating in both 1972 and 1975. Jeff was an automotive instructor at the Northeast Metro 916 Career and Technical Center.
In 1986, Jeff and his family moved to California where he started with Toyota Motor Sales. In 1988, Jeff was the first person to drive a Lexus on American soil! Mr. Follendorf transferred to Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. in 1995 and would retire from there in 2009, after 25 years of service. He was a lifelong automotive aficionado and took pride in restoring numerous Corvettes and other cars. In 2008, Jeff began restoring British cars. This eventually lead him to restore his own 1946 MG TC.
Among his other interests were antique collecting, spending time with friends and family, enjoying music, and auto racing. He was a member of the Corvette Club of Columbus and a member of the Olde Octogons MG TC Club of Indiana.
The funeral will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Dennis Aud officiating. Family and friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Monday and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Following the family’s wishes, cremation will take place after the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the WRPS Education Fund: www.wrps.org/community/wrpsfund.cfm.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Follendorf family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
Mr. Follendorf was born on July 14, 1950, in Marshfield, Wisconsin to the late Ruben and Violet Schubert Follendorf.
He married Sharon Heling on August 19, 1972, in Shawano, Wisconsin.
Survivors include his sons, Bryan Follendorf and Mike Follendorf, both of Columbus; two sisters, Christine Gregory of Stanwood, Washington and Cathi (Kevin) Kleckner of Neillsville, Wisconsin; and five nieces and nephews.
