Village head Józef Kochanek addresses those gathered in the chapel on 16.09.2002 on the occasion of its consecration after a major renovation and modernisation. The consecration was performed by Bishop Jan Kopiec, visible in the background. Next to the Bishop is our parish priest Fr Dr Krystian Ziaja, on the left Fr Jan Kornek, born in Folwark, who now lives permanently in the Czech Republic.
He was elected village head twice: first for the term 1964–1972, then 1976–2005. He took an active part in the organisation “Society of the German Minority in Opole Silesia”, was for many years chairman at municipal level and a member of the county board. He is now Honorary Chairman at municipal level.
He was born in Folwark on 25 February 1921, the son of Gertruda Kochanek, née Smolin. He was married to Eryka, née Pudelko, who died in February 1994. He raised 5 sons. After the war, in 1952, he contributed to the rebuilding of the old school as a community room for the LZS sports club. Today the building houses our chapel. He was also a co-author of the sporting successes of our handball team, which once belonged to the very top in the country. Our community also owes to him the renovation and upkeep of our village community hall, now the DFK, and a place for occasional meetings of the residents.
He completed primary school in Folwark. He then continued his education at the grammar school in Głubczyce, later at the commercial school in Opole. In 1940 he was called up for military service, in the first years for auxiliary service. 2.5 years on the front in Russia. In 1944 in Normandy, with the 3rd Parachute Division. He returned from captivity on 1 April 1946.
