Gerald “Jerry” Marvin Folken was born October 31st, 1943 in Columbus, Nebraska to Marvin and Esther Folken. He passed on September 27th, 2019 in Kirkland, Washington. He graduated from Columbus High School in Nebraska, and completed his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
Jerry grew up on a cattle farm in rural Nebraska. He often regaled his children about getting up with the sun to milk the cows before school and having to change clothes after coming home late from his High School prom to go straight out to work in the fields with his father. When not working on the farm he was known as a star basketball player at Columbus High School.
Jerry was hired by Boeing right out of college in 1968 and worked as a mechanical engineer on the 747 program. Early on, he transferred into noise engineering where he worked on every Boeing commercial aircraft from the 757 through the 787. He retired after 47 years of service in 2014. He took great pride in his work and was known as one of the top engineers in his field.
His colleagues remembered his accomplishments: “Jerry’s career at Boeing started as one of the “incredibles” working on wing flap stress issues that occurred during testing of the original 747. It was one of his favorite stories to tell. He later joined the newly formed noise organization where he spent most of the next four decades. During that time he was part of implementing the first wave of widespread computing usage within the company and subsequently developing software and processes for predicting aircraft noise and designing engine noise treatments that are still in use today. Jerry was known and widely appreciated for his hard work, knowledge, and willingness to share his experience and stories with others. Jerry was loved by all the people he worked with. He was a wonderful friend to all of us.”
When he wasn’t at Boeing, you could find him with his family, fixing everyone’s automobiles in his garage, out on his boat fishing, bowling strikes with the “Night Owls” in his competitive bowling league (with an average of over 200), at his grandkid’s sporting and musical events, or cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Washington Huskies, or Seattle Seahawks! He will always be remembered as a family man, generous in everything he did, with a heart of gold.
Jerry is survived by his son, Brant (Jenna) Folken of Valrico, FL, daughter Christina (Stacy) Price of Denver, CO, stepdaughter Nikki (Brad) Skinner of Renton, WA, stepson Brian (Sandy) Trofholz of Bothell, WA, and sister Regina Marohn (Folken) of Omaha, NE. Jerry adored his grandchildren: Emily (Morgan) Howell (Skinner), Janae Skinner, Ava Skinner, Trevor Folken, and Garrett Folken. His granddogs were also spoiled with lots of belly rubs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Esther Folken, his brother Richard Folken, his wife, Elaine Folken (Ruff), stepson Chris Trofholz, and wife Nancy Folken (Dunker).
In the last few years of his life, Jerry spoke of the hope he has because of what Jesus had done for him. “As Christians, we shouldn’t worry about our circumstances. We have hope because of what Jesus has done for us.” ~Jerry Folken
The family so appreciates the care and support provided by Aegis Lodge and Evergreen Hospice, and especially his church family at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
The family invites all to gather for a celebration of Jerry’s life at 1pm on October 5th at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 9225 212th St., Snohomish, Wa 98296.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s name can be made to:
American Lung Association (www.lung.org)
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (https://www.fredhutch.org/en.html),
or a charity of your choice.
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