Pearl Nelvina Folkens

Funeral Service Live Stream Link

Pearl Folkens, age 92, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, with Pastor Steve Van Wyhe officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. 

Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 PM until the time of the service.

Pearl Nelvina Folkens was born on June 17, 1933, on a farm northeast of Doon, Iowa, to Walter and Effie (Schuurman) Pap. She attended country school and grew up helping on the family farm, where she developed a strong work ethic through chores such as milking cows, gardening, and working in the fields.

On May 1, 1951, Pearl was united in marriage to Carl Folkens. After Carl returned from military service in 1953, the couple farmed in Minnesota before settling northeast of Rock Rapids in 1962. They farmed there until 1996, when they moved into town.

Pearl was devoted to her home and family. She enjoyed gardening, baking, canning, dancing, and fishing at Lake Mills, Minnesota. She especially cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Cliff (Barb) Folkens of Rock Rapids, Iowa; Jerrold (Janelle) Folkens of Rock Rapids, Iowa; Luann (Gene) Serck of Larchwood, Iowa; Darrel Folkens of Spencer, Iowa; and Jeff (Jody) Folkens of Rock Rapids, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; and her brother, John (Sharon) Pap of Rock Rapids, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl Folkens; and a great-grandson, Jack.

Memorials may be directed to the VFW Auxiliary of Rock Rapids.