Franken, Irwin Eugene 1933-2016

FRANKEN, BOSCH, DE JONG

Posted By: Mary L Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Irwin Eugene Franken, died Sat. July 30 at his home in Elizabeth Colorado, following a long illness with cancer.
Services were held at Elizabeth Presbyterian Church on Friday August 5.
Irwin Eugene Franken was born May 1 1933 at the family farm near Middleburg to Gerrit H. Sr. and Gertie (Bosch) Franken.
He went to country school and later to Sioux Center High School.
He married Carol De Jong on Oct. 2, 1953 in Orange City.
He served in the US Army from 1955-1957 stationed at Fort Sill, OK. and Fort Hood TX.
After service he and Carol settled in Orange City where they raised their family. He was a truck driver for 50 years. He owned and operated a dairy farm for 10 years.
They moved to Denver, CO. in 1985.
He enjoyed horses, gospel music and camping. He had a beautiful singing voice and entertained the children with his whistling.
Survivors include his wife Carol of 62 years; children Pam (Larry) Van Veldhuizen of Sioux Center, Janice Docter of Parker, CO, Jeff Franken of Raham, CO, Cindy (Steve) Stutz of Calhan, CO; Tim (Kory) Franken of Parker, CO; Phil (Bonnie) Franken of Elizabeth CO; 19 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren; brother Howard Franken of Luverne, MN; sister Kathleen Altena of Sioux Center; sister-in-law Velma Franken of Sioux Center; Carol's siblings; Marilyn (Jim) Goslinga of Orange City; Linda (Ken) Rhods of Rock Valley and Don (Cindy) De Jong of Alton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law Rob and Lillian De Jong; brothers Everett, Dries, Louis, Gerrit H. Jr. and Arnie; sisters Grace Van Batavia and Louise Oliver; brothers-in-law Bernard Van Batavia, Jack Oliver, Wilmer Altena, Marlo De Jong, Ron De Jong and Bob Boluyt; sisters-in-law Nelvina Franken, Wilma Franken, Wilma Joyce Franken, Liz Franken and Elinor Boluyt.

Source: Sioux County Capital 8-18-2016