Frank Alvin DREDGE the son of Arlen and Arzetta (COLTER) DREDGE was born into this world September 5th, 1921 in Arispe, Iowa. Frank was one of 9 children born to this marriage.

Growing up Frank moved to several farms with his parents and attended different county schools. He started school at Oak Grove School northeast of Mt. Ayr and after finishing 8th grade he began working.

Frank and Ellen Elizabeth WARRICK were married December 5th, 1942 at Grant City, MO.

Frank was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942 as well and he took his basic training at Camp Claiborne, Baton Rouge Louisiana Battalion 103. After his basic training Frank served his country in France. Elizabeth worked in a restaurant and then went to live with her father on the farm while Frank was away in the service. December 13, 1944 a son Royce Alvin was born in Leon Iowa. Frank was discharged from the Army D Day November 11, 1945.

Frank and Liz and Royce moved to the Carl LANNEY place March 1, 1945 and 4 years later, a daughter Anita Rae was born January 29, 1949 in Des Moines Iowa. Later they moved to Liz's father's farm where they bought more land to go with it and this became their homestead. Frank enjoyed farming and worked hard to provide for his family.

Frank retired in 1987 and he and Liz moved to town. They bought a camper and enjoyed wintering in La Feria, Texas and traveling all summer visiting friends they had met along the way. They always enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair.

Over the years Frank enjoyed playing cards at BRAND'S station and later the "dead beat club." This was part of his "retired" routine, but always made it home just in time for lunch and supper.

Liz passed away November, 1999 and Frank moved into a smaller home. He taught all of his children, grandchildren and some great-grandchildren, how to at least play 31 and sequence. And many family dinners were spent trying to hold your cards so Frank couldn't catch a peak. He always said with a smile, "you shouldn't hold them out there if you don't want me to look."

Frank was a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed his family and his grandkids and was lucky enough to enjoy the greats, and even great-great-grandchildren. He loved the outdoors, fishing and gardening. He was handy and crafty, always bringing home a new project to make after his Texas winters.

Frank could always be found with his hat tilted to the side and a big smile on his face. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he has touched.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Arlen and Arzetta; his wife Elizabeth; brothers Hubert and Henry; Lorena, AnnaBelle, Marie, and Elva Lee; sister-in-law Carolyn DENHART and brother-in-law Doyle DENHART.

He is survived by his son Royce and wife Judy DREDGE of Mt. Ayr; daughter Anita McNUTT of Mt. Ayr; 3 grandchildren Eric DREDGE of Mt. Ayr, Becky and husband Brian WATKINS of Creston and Alicia and husband Mark STOGDILL of Grand River; 6 great-grandchildren Derrick DREDGE wife Kasey of Mt. Ayr, Sarah DREDGE and fiance Robert SCHAFER, Joshua, Austin and Brandon JONES of Creston, and Hayes STOGDILL of Grand River and 1 great-great-grandson Brayden JONES-EMBREE; two brothers Junior (Roena) DREDGE of Mount Ayr and Loyd (Loree) DREDGE of Wichita, KS; sister-in-law Ruth MAUDLIN of Leavenworth, KS; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Thursday, July 28 at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home 205 West Monroe St., Mount Ayr, Iowa. Rev. Edward SHIELDS is officiating the service. Burial is in Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr with military rites by Ringgold Post #172 American Legion and the Iowa Honor Guard Unit. Visitation is Wednesday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Memorials are to HCI Care Services in Mount Ayr and Ringgold Post #172 American Legion in Mount Ayr.

Wilson-Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of arrangements.

SOURCE: www.watsonarmstrongfh.com/obituaries.aspx?turl=http://hosting-24708.tributes.com/show/Frank-Dredge-92005182

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2011

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