Gerrit H. Franken

Gerrit H. Franken, Jr., 86, of Sioux Center died Friday, July 3, 2009 in Sioux Center.

A Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10:30AM at the Free Grace Reformed Church of Middleburg, IA with Rev. Stephen Breen officiating. Interment will follow in Capel Township Cemetery of Middleburg.

Visitation will be held Monday from 4-8PM with the family present from 6-8PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

The Franken Family prefers memorials be directed to CHEARS Home Health and Hospice or Free Grace Reformed Church of Middleburg.





Gerrit Henry Franken, Jr. was born December 21, 1922 to Gerrit Henry, Sr. and Gertrude (Bosch) Franken in their rural Sioux Center home. He spent most of his life on the family farm. Gerrit attended country school through the 10th grade and then turned to full-time farm work.

At age 22, Gerrit enlisted in the United States Navy to proudly serve his country in WWII. He was stationed overseas on three separate ships until his honorable discharge with the rank of Fireman First Class. He was currently a member of the American Legion, Doornink - Brunsting Post 0199.

Upon his return, he married his sweetheart of 7 years, Elizabeth Vis, on November 28, 1947. They resided at the family farm. Gerrit enjoyed varying occupations as a farmer, truck driver, electrician, and co-owner of Franken Electric until his retirement. He was a lifelong member of Middleburg Free Grace Reformed Church, serving in various roles of elder, deacon, and teacher. Gerrits love for music was evident as a self-taught organist and a quartet singer. Upon retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing, with many winters spent in Arizona. Above all, they cherished 51 years of marriage and, in turn, a legacy of faith, love and commitment was exemplified to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through Gerrits tender role of caregiver during Elizabeths illness.

Grateful to have shared Gerrits life are his 5 children: Willard and Vicki Franken of Sioux Center, Ken and Vickie Franken of Sutherland, IA, Gloria and Leon Te Grotenhuis of Sioux Center, Diane and Denny Burns of Ireton, and Gerry and Julie Franken of Sioux Center; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Arnie and Velma Franken of Sioux Center, Irwin and Carol Franken of Denver, CO, and Howard Franken of Luverne, MN; a sister, Kathleen Altena of Sioux Center; sisters-in-law Nelvina Franken of Sioux Center, Wilma Franken of Sioux Center, and Dorothy Franken of Lamirada, CA; extended family members on the Franken and Vis sides; a friend Harriet Vander Zwaag; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Gerrit Henry Franken, Jr., 86, of Sioux Center, went to be with his Savior on July 3, 2009 after being diagnosed with cancer in March, 2009. He joins in Heaven his wife Elizabeth, his parents, his brothers Everett, Louis, and Dries; sisters, Grace and Louise; his infant grandson, Caleb Gerrit and his infant great-granddaughter Josie Elizabeth.