FRANKEN, Chris G. 1854-1936

FRANKEN, STEINMEYER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/6/2017 at 14:37:03

Large Attendance at Franken Funeral Services Thursday

Funeral services for C. G. Franken were held at the Presbyterian church in Colfax township Thursday afternoon. In spite of the intensely hot weather there was a large attendance at the service. Rev. George Swalve preached in the English language. Rev. J. E. Drake, who for 35 years was the deceased's pastor, preached in German. Burial was in the cemetery adjoining the church.

Relatives from a distance who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. John Willemssen, George, Ia., Mr. and Mrs. Christ Willemssen, of Sibley; Mrs. Philip Kruger, Mrs. Fanny Bonk and Mr. and Mrs. Christ deGroote, George.

Obituary
C. G. Franken was born in Bunde, Eastfriesland, Germany, on January 16, 1854. At the age of 13 years he came to America and dwelt in the vicinity of Forreston, Ill. On Sept. 16, 1875, he came to this state and settled on a farm in Colfax township.

He was united in the holy bond of wedlock with Miss Emma Steinmeyer on May 30, 1882. To this union five children were born. One son, August, and one daughter, Anna, passed away in infancy. His younger sister, Mrs. E. E. Stoehr, of Holland, passed away Jan. 2, 1901. The older sister, Mrs. B. W. Willemssen of George, Iowa, passed away Sept. 27, 1930, while Mr. Franken was in the hospital for an operation.

Mr. Franken departed this life in the Deaconess hospital at Marshalltown early Tuesday morning, July 7, 1936. He attained the age of 82 years, 5 months and 21 days. He leaves to mourn his departure, his devoted wife, Emma, three daughters, Mrs. Andrew Stahl, Mrs. Jake Stahl, Mrs. John Stahl, and three sons-in-law, all of this vicinity; one brother, Jake Franken, of Holland, Ia.; also the following who were reared in the family home: Mrs. Herman Stahl of Holland, Mrs. Melvin Fletcher of Aplington, Mr. John Fletcher of Hudson, Iowa; Rev. Henry Cramer of Alton, Ill., and Rev. August Cramer of Cedar Rapids; besides 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Franken was a man held in high esteem, respected because of his peaceful, jovial and friendly personality. As a devoted husband and father, he will be missed in the home. As a loyal member and as a faithful trustee of his church for a period of over forty years he will be missed. And as a good neighbor and a true friend his departure will leave a void in the hearts of those who lived in close fellowship with him.

We miss our loved one from our home,
His chair is vacant--silent his gentle tone,
For God called from His throne on high,
Father answered the summons--he did not die.

He has gone to dwell forever more,
In that bright land across the shore,
Under God's shelter and care he is safe,
In the home eternal, saved by grace.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 16 July 1936, pg 12