FOLSOM, John Francis --- 1926-2011

FOLSUM, COTA, CHRISTIANSEN, INGAMELLS, MCHENRY, HALER, STEELE, STILWELL

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 6/19/2011 at 15:07:21

John Folsom

John Francis Folsom, 84, of Des Moines passed from this life Friday, April 22, 2011 at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Mass of the Christian Burial was held Monday, May 2 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Des Moines, with Rev. Michael Amadeo, Rev. John P. Ludwig, Rev. Ray McHenry and Fr. Thomas DeCarlo presiding. Burial with military honors was at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
John Francis was born the son of Austin and Anna Folsom June 20, 1926 in Postville. John enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in Waukon. He served in the Pacific Theater of War among various ships - four years in communication ships, APAs, LCIs and a Destroyer Escort Tender. Most of the time was spent transporting troops and supplies to Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Philippines, Hawaiian Islands, China and finally Japan. Bikini Atoll was his last assignment where they did the “1st Atomic” underwater test. He transferred to the USNR after his enlistment was up and received his discharge after the Korean War started.
January 14, 1946, John married Kathleen M. Folsom at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Oakland, CA. To this union, six children were born. John worked for 31 years in the mortgage banking business and retired as vice president of Norwest Mortgage in 1988. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
John was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John is survived and lovingly remembered by one son, John P. Folsom of Spirit Lake; five daughters, Sharon Cota of Des Moines, Colleen (Jame) Christiansen of Urbandale, Pam (Mike) Ingamells of Des Moines, Kathleen (Mike) McHenry of Urbandale, and Rhonda Haler of Johnston; one sister, Irene Steele of Waukon; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; many many friends, and his best buddy, Jack.
John was preceded into eternal life by his wife of nearly 58 years, Kathleen; his parents; two brothers, Cloy and Lester Folsom; and two sisters, Bernice Stilwell and Myrtle Folsom.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Beaverdale VFW Post #9127. Arrangements were handled by Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel, Des Moines.

The Waukon Standard, May 11, 2011

Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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