Kerry Kathleen Foland, age 74, of Missouri Valley, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Neb. She was born on Aug. 26, 1950, to Paul Edwin and Anna Rosalie (Triplett) Solon in Council Bluffs.
Kerry married Gene Foland on June 3, 1972, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley, where she was a lifelong member. She attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School in Missouri Valley and later St. Albert’s Catholic High School in Council Bluffs.
Kerry’s senior class was the first group of girls to graduate from St. Albert’s Catholic High School. Just one week after graduation, at the age of 17, Kerry began what was meant to be a temporary assignment at Mutual of Omaha. That “temporary” job became a remarkable 50-year career marked by loyalty and dedication. In addition to her work at Mutual, Kerry spent many weekends working at the Missouri Valley Antique and Craft Mall.
She and Gene raised two sons, Kristopher Scott, 49, and Kurtis Michael, 44, in a loving home rooted in values of independence, thoughtfulness, and kindness. Kerry was the heart and soul of her family and home, an exemplary mother, grandmother, and human being.
She embodied the best qualities: unconditional love, inner strength, and endless generosity. She was a tireless supporter of her sons’ activities, particularly baseball. At every home game, you could find her in the press box running the scoreboard. In later years, she enthusiastically attended her grandchildren’s events. Kerry absolutely adored Isabelle and Keenan and truly cherished time spent with her family and friends.
Kerry was a unique and witty woman with a great sense of humor. When Gene would head out fishing, she never asked when he’d return or whether he’d bring fish home but always left him with the best advice: “stay out of the water.”
Her favorite pastimes included birdwatching, arts and crafts, playing cribbage and cards, crossword puzzles, bowling, and casino outings with her sisters. One of her most treasured adventures was a family trip to Ireland with her mother, siblings, and their spouses.
Kerry was also an exceptional cook and could bake anything from scratch. Like her mother, she made everything in the kitchen seem effortless. Her famous BBQ chip dip, beef spread, and vegetable dip were holiday staples that everyone looked forward to.
In addition to her many talents, Kerry loved writing poetry and letters. Her most recent pen pal was her granddaughter, Isabelle. After Isabelle went off to college, Grandma wrote to her every month and never missed a holiday card. If you were ever lucky enough to receive a card or letter from Kerry, you knew it was something special.
Kerry was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her. Her warmth, kindness, and strength touched so many. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those blessed to have known her. Her memory will live on in the love she gave and the lives she touched.
Kerry is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Gene; sons, Kristopher Foland of Bloomington, Minn. and Kurtis (Brooke) Foland of Missouri Valley; beloved grandchildren, Isabelle and Keenan Foland; brothers, Matthew (Connie) Solon of Council Bluffs and Paul (Sharon) Solon of Missouri Valley; sisters, Anita Solon, Annette (Dennis) Walsh, and Mary Killpack, all of Missouri Valley; sister-in-law, Christine (Norman) Ellison of Ottumwa; brothers-in-law, Randy Foland of Logan, and Kevin (Shelly) Foland of Omaha, Neb.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Rosalie; father, Paul Edwin; brother, John and her grandparents.
Please join us in celebrating Kerry’s life on June 3, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley, with Mass beginning at 10a.m. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. All are welcome.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley.
