Richard "Kip" Folsom

Richard(“Kip") Folsom was a unique soul who entered this world on March 21, 1951, and departed on October 3rd, 2024, after a brief illness.

Kip was born and raised in Spencer, Iowa, the son of Dr. Richard Folsom and Patricia McVicker Folsom. He enjoyed many summers at nearby Lake Okoboji, riding his bike to the city swimming pool enjoying life in Spencer and attending Spencer Public Schools.

In his junior and senior years, he attended Augustana Academy in Canton, SD a progressive private high school. He graduated with the class of 1969. It was there that he formed lifelong bonds and friendships he cherished throughout his life. His” Augie” experience influenced his outlook on life and remained one of his most precious memories.

He attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids where he obtained his associate’s degree in electronics. He worked as an electronics technician throughout his work life. Most of his career was at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He enjoyed working at UNO and all his colleagues he worked with there.

In 1983 he married the love of his life, Sherri Anne Graham and became a stepfather to her son Travis Parks.

Throughout the years Kip loved swimming and could be found at the YMCA or at UNO swimming at least 2 miles daily. He was a talented woodworker building many beautiful pieces of furniture that graced his and Sherri’s home. He also excelled at photography and spent many happy days walking around with his camera, especially photographing nature scenes, garden flowers and animals.

He loved his dogs, Dutch, Loki and Charlie Girl and spent many happy hours walking them.

Kip was a wonderful husband, stepfather, brother, son and friend. He was a friend of Bill W., and the relationships he formed in the fellowship both saved his life and influenced it profoundly.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 41 years, Sherri Anne, stepson Travis Parks (Cassidi), sister Virginia(“Gina” )Folsom, uncle, John Folsom and dog Mandy as well as many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Richard Folsom, mother Patricia Folsom, sister Dr. Sherry Folsom-Meek, niece Trish Meek as well as beloved animal companions Bonnie, Mocha, Dutch, Loki, Charlie Girl and Bear-Bear.

A celebration of Kip’s life will be held at John Gentleman 72nd St. Chapel 1010 N. 72nd St. 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 12th. Visitation with family will be at 10:00 a.m. preceding the service.

Memorials may be sent to York-Adopt-A-Pet www.yorkadoptapet.com or Cairn Rescue USA www.cairnrescueusa.