Dick Franken

Dick Franken, 62, of Sioux Center, IA died Monday, November 29, 2010, at Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center, IA. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10:30AM at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. John Lee officiating. Interment will follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. The Franken Family prefers memorials be directed to the Doornink-Brunsting Post 199, American Legion of Sioux Center or Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Dick "Dickie" Franken, Jr. was born on November 16, 1948 to Dick and Bertha (Engeltjes) Franken in Sioux Center, IA. He grew up on a farm near Sioux Center and attended Sioux Center Christian School and Western Christian High School. He entered basic training at Fort Lewis, WA in 1968. Dick was stationed in Oklahoma and Georgia where he trained as a paratrooper. He then served as a clerk in Germany until his honorable discharge from active duty in May, 1970. He then served in the reserves until 1974. After returning from Germany, Dick farmed with his family near Sioux Center. He then moved to Denver, CO where we worked for a large equipment company. When he returned to Sioux Center, he worked at various locations including Franken Implement, Sioux Automation Center, and The Muffler Shop. He married Faith Post on October 10, 1980 at Carmel Reformed Church. They moved to a farm near Sioux Center in 1983 where they raised their four daughters. He owned his own mechanic shop, a hog finishing building, and farmland. Dick was a life time member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed bow hunting, farming, riding motorcycles, listening to Johnny Cash, assembling his own guns, raising pigs, and mechanic work. To his girls, he was a "jack of all trades". He was an active member of the Doornink-Brunsting Post 199, American Legion of Sioux Center. He served as post commander and as county commander. He was also a member of the veterans organization Forty and Eight. Survivors are his wife of 30 years, Faith; daughters: Hope Franken of Sioux City, Becky and Brian Groeneweg of Sioux Center, Sarah Franken and fiancé John Zwier of Chicago, and Dana Franken of Sioux Center; two grandchildren, Noam and Maelyn Groeneweg; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Art and Marlene Franken, and Gerald and Joanne Franken, all of Sioux Center; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Deanne and Richard Van Zee of Rock Valley; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Darwin and Lorraine Post, and Warren and Fonda Post, all of Sioux Center; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Bertha Franken; parents-in-law, Walter and Henrietta Post. Online Condolences Denise Relationship: Neighbor I am sorry to read about the passing of your love one. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. May the scriptures found at John 5: 28 & 29 be a source of comfort and hope during this time of deep sorry. Once again, you have my sincere condolences. Sent: 11/29/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Helwig Sioux Center Relationship: Friend Faith and girls, All my sympathy on Dicks passing. All my prayers that God comforts you and assures you that Dick is with his Lord now. Bob Sent: 11/29/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerry/Angie Reisma Sioux Center Relationship: friends Faith and family, We were sorry to hear of Dicks passing, he will be missed, may He give you strength and comfort in your time of need, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jer and Ang Sent: 11/29/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lee Roetman Sioux Center Relationship: Friend May we all rejoice as Dick is freed from his tormented body and brought to rest. May you the family find peace. Sent: 11/29/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ROB AND DEANNA WYNIA SIOUX CENTER Relationship: FRIEND FAITH AND DAUGHTERS, WE WANT TO SEND YOU OUR SYMPATHY. IN YOUR SADNESS WE PRAY THAT YOU BELIEVE THAT HE IS WITH GOD AND HE IS THE WHOLE PERSON HE USED TO BE. MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS ARMS. Sent: 11/29/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ellie Pieper Ireton Relationship: Friend Frankens, My heart goes out to you and your family in this time. May your family find peace in this time. Stay strong! Ellie Sent: 11/30/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gary Horstman Hull Relationship: Friend My sympathies to Dick's family. I went thru basic with Dick and never forgot his positive attitude and encouragement he gave the rest of our squad, he certainly made a difficult time more enjoyable for all of us. God's grace be with you all. Sent: 11/30/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Donna Vande Kieft Everett Relationship: Friend Dear Faith and Family, My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all. These past several years have been a challenging time for Dick and all of you. It is a relief and blessing to know that he is now free. Dick was blessed in having you as his family. You really helped him and did all you could for him.(Thanks to his caregivers at Royale Meadows, too). May you all be comforted as you reflect on Dick truly being home with God this Christmas. Sending my love and prayers. Sent: 12/1/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tim and Bonnie Eureka Relationship: Friend Franken Family, We visited Dicky the last time we were at Sioux Center. We shared many wonderful memories together. He even came up to Eureka to visit us one summer. His family meant everything to him. He will be sorely missed. Our sincerest symathy to all of you, Tim and Bonnie Serr, Eureka, SD w Sent: 12/1/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tanja Shelton Bennington Relationship: friend May your faith and hope for the future lead you through these trying times. Loss is never easy but find comfort that Dick is with the Lord and will never feel pain again. Sent: 12/2/2010