Frank William Dehn 1920 - 2005

OTTO, DEHN, HALE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-volunteer (email)
Date: 7/4/2017 at 09:09:52

Sioux City Journal
5 October 2005

ONAWA, Iowa -- Frank William Dehn, 85, of Onawa died Monday, Oct. 3, 2005, at Burgess Health Center in Onawa following a brief illness.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Onawa, with the Rev. John Noer officiating. Burial will be in Onawa Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Stevens-Kelley Post 665 and the U.S. Army. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rush Family Care Service in Onawa.

Frank was born Feb. 16, 1920, on a farm south of Blencoe, Iowa, the son of Edward and Mabel (Otto) Dehn Sr. He attended Sherman Township country school and graduated from Blencoe Consolidated High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1942 and was discharged in June 1947, with a Purple Heart Medal.

On March 21, 1943, he married Margaret Irene Hale in Omaha. Together, they had two sons. After returning from his military service and recovering from his combat injuries, the couple resumed farming. He was a farmer his entire life, retiring in 1982.

He served as director of the Onawa Farmer's Co-op Elevator board from 1952 to 1993. He also served on the township school board, the West Monona School reorganization board, the Farmer's Home Loan board and the Onawa Farmer's Co-op Oil board. He was a 60-year member of the American Legion Stevens-Kelley Post in Blencoe.

In 1943, he joined the Blencoe Congregational Church and in 1982, joined the Onawa Congregational Church.

Both his hobby and vocation were farming, however his life was characterized by his strong devotion to his family and his community. He considered his service to his country in World War II to be the most important contribution of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret of Onawa; a son, Franklin Bradley of Rapid City, S.D.; a son and his wife, Richard William and Elizabeth of Iowa City, Iowa; a brother, George of Blencoe; a sister, Mary Keele of Blencoe; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wilbur and Edward Jr.; and an infant brother.