Joe Franken Joins Navy
Joe Franken passed the initial physical requirements to enter the United States Navy last Saturday. Two local young men, Hans Juffer and Alvin Den Herder accompanied him to Sioux City last Saturday but were rejected. Hans Juffer did not meet the physical test because of a rupture and Alvin Den Herder failed in the eye tests, as he was unable to distinguish the various colors.
Joe Franken left on Monday in the company of several other young men of this territory and will take his final physical exam in Des Moines which consists mainly of a heart test. If he passes this successfully, he will then go on to the Great Lake Naval Training Station in Illinois.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 18, 1941, p 1
Joe Franken Volunteers for Service in Navy (Group photo)
Among the above 18 young navy volunteers is a Sioux Center boy. Joe Franken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arie Franken, left Monday first for Des Moines and from there to Great Lakes Naval station.
Local people will recognize him, but for those who may not know him so well Joe is the tall hatless figure standing in the center making a gesture with his right hand.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 18, 1941, p 5
Joe Franken Company 231 U.S.N.T.S. Great Lakes, Illinois
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 1, 1942, p 8 Dec. 25, 1941
Dear Mr. Ed Roelofs: This being my first Christmas away from home makes me a little lonesome but if you were caged in like 12,000 sailors here you would get the same idea I did. By this I mean writing to all my friends and relatives.
How about the Navy- Well, if you sign up for the navy in Sioux City they examine you and send you to Des Moines. In Des Moines they give you a I.Q. exam and also a Physical. If you pass this then you sign up for an many years as you like or the duration of war, also sign your name on about 10 sheets of paper and have your finger prints taken; then if you’re O.K. you go to the Great Lakes Naval training station in Illinois and here again you go through another one of these exams, only much more strict. If you’re in you get clothes, enough clothes to last you at least 3 years in the Navy.
Now Ed you probably know about these hammocks. Every one must sleep in these things. The one thing about these hammocks is that they are only about four and one-half feet from the floor, also these floors are as hard as the floors in your own home. When you fall from these you land smack on your face. I would say the average man falls out at least two or three times. I fell out twice myself. If a man don’t fall out it’s because he has something or someone to hang onto.
Now the eats. Why we have beans so much that I call it coffee because back home I had coffee as regular as they have beans here. But there are 12,000 men here and it don’t make any difference whether you eat beans or not because a man gets blamed for a lot of the things he don’t do.
Well Ed, tell more later, your very good friend, Mr. Joe Franken.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 1, 1942, p 7
The Misses Margaret Ann Doherty and Ruth Miller motored to the Great Lake Naval Training Station with Delia Wierda and Henry Franken of Sioux Center. There they visited Thomas Wierda and Joe Franken. The latter was obliged to leave for New York before their visit was over.
The party of young folks left last Thursday and remained until Saturday evening.
Source: Rock Valley Bee Jan. 16, 1942, p 1
Joe Franken sends his new address as he is put aboard a heavy cruiser in the Navy: Joe Franken, U.S.S. Vincennes, Div. B., Sec. 3, c.o. Postmaster, New York, N. Y. ….. Joe Franken sent a picture home of himself and Gerrit Vanden Berg who met through coincidence in Times Square in New York on Sunday and had their picture taken together.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 22, 1942, p 8
Joe Franken wrote home that the cruiser he was on left port on Friday with destination unknown, and was working as a fireman on board the boat.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 29, 1942, p 8
USS Vincennes Div. B. Postmaster, N.Y. January 30, 1942
Hello Folks, I’m in Florida now and some country. The trees are green and is just like summer. We are having a good trip so far for there is a lot to see, large fish and ships on the water. I am feeling good and hope you are. I have been gone fifty days and I have been at sea for 7 days and 7 nights. The water is very rough at times and the boat sets on a 45 degree angle and does everything but stand on its head.
Well, mother you write to me, write on both sides of the paper because that’s all the enjoyment we git is the mail, otherwise nothing. Say hello to everyone. I’m not sure but tell Ed that maybe I’ll get to see him.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 5, 1942, p 12
Joe Franken of Sioux Center who was last reported in Florida, has been back to New York and is now in Boston, Mass.
According to letter he has spent much of his time on the sea as a fireman on the boat. Joe says he weighs 204 lbs. now compared to 170 when he left for the service.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 19, 1942, p 8
Joe Franken dropped a letter to his folks, Mr. and Mrs. Arie Franken which was postmarked Alabama. The cruiser he is on probably is making another coastal tour.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 26, 1942, p 8
58 Soldiers From Sioux Center Vicinity
SEND OMITTED NAMES OF MEN IN SERVICE
The American Legion has been sending inspirational letters each month to the soldiers of the Sioux Center vicinity and are anxious to have a complete list of the men in the service. The NEWS has published the names of the men who left to serve their country in the "NEWS ABOUT OUR SOLDIERS" column. Please contact the NEWS if any soldier has been omitted or if the rank is not correct in the list which follows: ..... Joe Franken (sailor) ..... Keep the Sioux Center News informed when your soldier has a promotion in rank, change of address, or just a line about how he is getting along. Little sidelights on the activities of the men under arms are of interest to everyone. Call us anytime and give us a news item on the man who has gone to serve his country in the time of war. The News Reporter cannot contact each one of you every week so your cooperation will be appreciated. Every letter from the soldiers indicate a great deal of pleasure is derived in reading about his fellow "Buddy" and the mutual experiences in the U.S. service.
Source: Sioux Center News March 26, 1942, p 7
Franken Bros. Meet in California
Joe and Everette Franken met in California recently and enjoyed a dinner at the Fred Dickman home in Los Angeles.
Everette is now located at South Pasadena in California and Joe had a 6-day furlough from the U. S. Navy. Joe had been sent up and down the eastern coast and relatives had not heard from him for several weeks until he arrived in California. Joe and Everette are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Arie Franken. ….. Joe Franken, who is in the U. S. Navy sent a change of address from New York to Joe Franken, U.S.S. Vincennes, Div. B., c.o. Postmaster, San Francisco, Calif.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 2, 1942, p 8
News About the Boys in Army, Navy, Marines “Somewhere in Pacific” Letters from Hessel John Roorda indicate that he has begun his duties aboard ship somewhere in the Pacific. Items of interest since he left Dearborn included a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Schouten at Oakland, Calif., and a meeting with “Buck” Potts and Joe Franken at Pearl Harbor. These were the first Rock Valley people he had met since his enlistment Dec. 8.
Source: Sioux Center News July 17, 1942, p 1
Joe Franken On Large Ocean Vessel
Joe Franken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arie Franken of Sioux Center writes to a Sioux Center friend that he is on a large ship, which reminds one of a small town but of course could not reveal his location or destination. He said that the letter he sent probably came from the greatest distance this person ever received a letter from a friend. Joe is with the U. S. Navy and has been gone for 8 months. He hopes to get in a shop on the ship he is on and get a Medal Smith rating sometime. Joe is still a fireman on the ship at this time.
His address is: Joe Franken, U.S.S. Vincennes, Div. B., c.o. Postmaster, San Francisco, Calif. Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 3, 1942, p 2 Joe Franken Under McArthur Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Kosters received a letter from Joe Franken this week which stated that he was under McArthur so now it is thought he must be in the Australian vicinity. More help is due to arrive there soon and Joe is anticipating that he might see Henry John Kroon and Tommy Wierda who are in the U.S. Navy and have been on the eastern coast for some time, possibly on convoy duty.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 3, 1942, p 8
Transferred Dear Mr. Roelofs: Well Ed I’m being transferred and along with me is Daryl Liston from Ireton. He is also being transferred. He was on the same ship with me. So if you will Joe Franken, Soo Center & Daryl Liston, Ireton will not have the same address. Where we are going we don’t know, but will send our new address soon. Thanks Ed. We read the News together and read it often. Just now I haven’t heard for a couple of months, but will when I send my new address. From Joe, your old pal. Joe Franken
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 17, 1942, p 2
Joe Franken in Hawaii Joe Franken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arie Franken of Sioux Center, is now in a shop located in the territory of Hawaii. Sometime ago Joe wrote saying that he was trying to get into a repair shop as he had some experience at the Kosters Repair Shop in Sioux Center.
Evidently he has been on convoy duty before locating at Pearl Harbor. His Address: Joe Franken, Submarine Base, Shop No. 8, E. & R. Dept., Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 17, 1942, p 8
Joe Franken writes to the editor that he is no longer on the sea but is doing shop work in Hawaii learning welding and all kinds of machine work and he likes it very much. Hessel Roorda of Rock Valley apparently was instrumental in getting him into that kind of work. He sent a snap shot of himself and Hessel Roorda and Eddy Bergsma also of Rock Valley, which will be published in the near future.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 24, 1942, p 8
Liberty in Hawaii – “The Pause That Refreshes” (group photo)
The above picture was taken especially for the NEWS and mailed to us by Joe Franken. The three young sailors are all Sioux County boys, reading left to right: Hessel Roorda Jr. of Rock Valley, Edwin Bergsma of Rock Valley, and Joe Franken of Sioux Center. They are all stationed in navy machine shops in the Hawaiian Islands. Joe has been on a ship until recently. He was a first-class welder and is now using this knowledge, and he writes that he prefers this work to being on a ship. Joe suggested the appropriate heading for the picture.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 1, 1942, p 1
Joe Franken Escapes From Sinking Ship
According to word which is now available to be published, Joe Franken escaped from the sinking cruiser, U.S.S. Vincennes last August 8th in the Solomon Islands. He was in a rubber boat for approximately 6 hours and was attacked by sharks. Joe assisted in rescuing a buddy, Daryl Liston of Hawarden when Daryl was wounded. Daryl Liston has been recovering in a California hospital. He was filled with shot about the head and sides and had his arm in a cast. Lee Liston, his brother of Ireton recently went to California to visit with Daryl.
Joe Franken has been in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he has entered a trade shop. His address is: Joe Franken, Submarine Base, Shop No. 8 E. and R. Dept., Pearl Harbor, T. H. The ship was officially reported as lost a few days ago.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 15, 1942, p 1
Schalekamp's Patriotic Window Display
90 LOCAL SERVICE MEN'S PICTURES
Much interest has been created by Schalekamp's Drug Store window display of 90 servicemen's pictures this past week. Civilians are seen with noses pressed to the plate glass window studying the groups and poses of our men in uniform. Every man in the window display is currently connected with this community having been born and reared in the Sioux Center territory.
Several brother groups are in the exhibit, namely the three Kroon brothers, Richard, Henry and Bert, also the three Moerman brothers, Adrian, Peter and William.
Other groups of two brothers are the Vander Berg boys, Theodore and Gerrit, Bierma brothers, Carl and Bill, Franken Bros., Joe and Everett, and Attema brothers of near Rock Valley, Jake and Tunis; Dieters Bros., Herman and Harold, Van Engen Bros., Gerrit and George, Van Steenwyk Bros., Herman and Cedric, Van Muyden Bros., Lester and Peter, and Schalekamp Bros., Abe and Joe.
Another interesting feature of the novelty collection is the fact that every branch of the service is represented, the Army, Navy, Air Corps and Marines. As you recall where each man is now stationed, there are a good many states of America represented and many foreign lands, Ireland, England, Australia, New Caledonia, India, Iceland, Panama, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. In fact if you stop to realize it, there will never be a time again in our lives where so many of the local bys will be so scattered in all parts of the world. Truly a travelogue of familiar faces.
Sioux Center's young men are going into battle with the rest of the nation.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 15, 1942, p 4
RECEIVES XMAS PACKAGE
Joe Franken writes that he has received a Christmas package sent him by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. G. Vander Berg. He sent the editor a Christmas card which was received this week Wednesday morning. It was postmarked October 23rd. His correct address: Joe Franken F 1-c U. S. Sub Base Shop No. 8 E & R. Pearl Harbor, T. H.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 5, 1942, p 8
JOE FRANKEN’S PAL AT CIVIC CLUB MEETING
Daryl Liston, 22 year old sailor who is on furlough in the home of his parents in Hawarden, attended the Civic Club meeting here Tuesday evening to tell about his experiences in the navy. Daryl enlisted in the navy with Joe Franken and they were pals for eight months. They enlisted on December 8, the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, and went to sea on active duty in February, first on Atlantic patrol duty, and then into the southern Pacific. They were on the U.S.S. Vincennes when the ship, along with 3 other ships, were sunk off the Solomon Islands on August 8. Daryl was wounded in this battle and after being released from the hospital he met Joe in Pearl Harbor. Joe was in good health and liked his work in the navy shops. Daryl told how they were taken by surprise and had very little chance to retaliate. He also saw action in the famous Midway battle which ended in a big victory for the U.S. He expects to be assigned to a ship for further duty as soon as he returns to the west coast.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 19, 1942, p 10
Joe Franken writes that he received his Christmas package from the Sioux Center people and that he was very pleased with it. He said he found everything useful except the cigarettes since he quit smoking about a year ago, but that he would have no trouble getting rid of those to his buddies.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 26, 1942, p 8
Faithful Correspondent
Joe TeVeltrup received a letter Tuesday from Joe Franken, dated Nov. 24. Joe is still working in the Navy shops in Hawaii and tells Joe he likes it fine, especially the ‘4th of July weather’. He recently met Marvin Mouw there. Joe is among the most faithful correspondents in the service and everybody enjoys hearing from him. It means a lot to the folks back home to get cheerful letters from the boys who are “doing the dirty work” so to speak. The “morale” business is a sort of mutual proposition when it comes right down to it.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 3, 1942, p 8
Joe Franken Meets Dick De Weerd in Hawaii
November 31, 1942 Dear Ed: Hello there Ed. Well fella I guess you remember me. I’m fine and like my new job here in Hawaii just swell. I was just thinking it’s a year ago that I left and was it cold; just like it is now. But here in Hawaii its always the same, sunshine and rain and rain and rain, yet its grand here. I get to swim almost every week sometimes twice a week. I guess the practice I had in the sandpit helped me plenty, Ed. Mail service is very good. There is a slight change in my address, only as far as the rate is concerned. I was over to see Dick De Weerd a few weeks ago and really had a good talk about better times. Now I’m about all set for to hit my sack cause sometimes I get quite sleepy. I guess it’s the climate. Now I’m undecided about whether or not I should write my girl another page or you, I guess she wins, Ed.
Well now that the boys have left I guess the town is pretty quiet. Hear my old shipmate was in town. So long Ed. Will write you later, much later. From Frank the Sailor Joe Franken Msth 2-c U. S. Sub Base Shop No. 8 E & R Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 10, 1942, p 7
Extract from Joe Franken’s Letter to J. Te Veltrup: Received your letter and application for drivers license. I haven’t driven a car since I left Sioux Center and drove to Sioux City. I appreciate your effort very much. Since I went down with the ship where I lost everything, clothes, drivers license, social security card, money. The license will be the first article returned to me. I signed application with blue ink so you better trace it over with black ink.
I work at the forge now and work with one of the large hammers, so I have a real job. I had a nice Christmas, worked all day, but that is the duty I asked for, so I better like it. My, how I wish for a white Christmas once. I have been gone two years now. Two more days in 1942. The experience in that year I will never forget. But I have only one small mark left of the experience, on my upper lip. Well I am rated now. I have a cross and a double V mark on my sleeve. This makes me a second class metalsmith. Compared with the army this makes me staff sergeant.
From Joe Franken, your friend Metalsmith 2nd Class U. S. Sub Base Shop 8 E & R Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 14, 1943, p 10 22
Boys In Armed Forces From 7 Local Families
Six Sioux Center families have three boys in the U. S. Armed Forces, and one family has four boys serving their country. Mr. and Mrs. Arie Franken have son Joe in the navy, Henry and Everette in the army. Joe enlisted in the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor and has been in action in the Solomons.
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Schiebout have three sons in the army, Abe, Joe, and Ferdinand. Mr. and Mrs. John Vogel have three sons in the army, Harry, LeRoy, and William. Lester, Peter and Marvin Van Muyden, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Case Van Muyden are all in the army. Lester has been overseas for many months, located in Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Mouw have two sons in the army, Lawrence and Steven, and Harold is in the navy. Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit H. Franken have three sons in army, Louis, Dries and Everett. The John Kroon family is represented by four sons in the service, three of whom are overseas. Richard and Bert are in the army, now in North Africa, Henry John is on the sea, a member of the U. S. Navy, and Billy is still at Gt. Lakes Naval Station.
There are undoubtedly more families who have three sons in the service and the News would be pleased to know them.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 18, 1943, p 10
April Fool, 1943 Dear Friends: I always receive the News in good fast time here in Hawaii, how soon is a military secret, but three weeks is quite near for travelling time. I’m still in the same shop and don’t mind at all. The work I do here is much like I was used to at Kosters shop only here it’s done the navy way. There are 2 ways of doing things you know. The right way and the Navy way. I thought being it’s the first day in April was a good enough reason to write. A week ago I was over to see Cpt. Elmer Slob here in town of Honolulu. He showed me around his outfit and he has plenty on hand. I had a good rationed chow with him, in along with the other officers under him, oh yes, also over him. Elmer you remember is the tall redhead, he had only been here for about 6 years and still is and looks normal to me. I first thought if a guy was here that long he would crack up, or go pineapple. Nevertheless he's still the same guy in good shape too. Also a Vander Weerdt from Rock Valley was over to see Roorda and I. He was down again last night and says he likes the Marine Corp fine, but would rather be home with one leg in the furrow. I might add I’d like to do the same. Ruth: who knows? It may come soon. I also had some of my old shipmates over to see me. One from Pella who was in the water with me, and I don’t mean in any pool either. They are some real guys cause I once saw what they had in them, and how they fought, and that’s all that matters these days. One especially was a hero, but never got a medal and I don’t believe would wear one for what they give ’em for. He was in a fire room just forward from the one I was in and last to abandon. Well friends I haven’t any news of real importance so I’ll hang up for now, hoping this finds you all well as I am, or better. As always, Joey P.S. What’s the speed limit in Sioux Center now Joe T? Still 50 mph for me, if I get gas.
Joe Franken, M. 2-c E & R Dept. Shop 8 U. S. Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T. H.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 15, 1943, p 8
Joe Franken Greets Friends On Phonograph Records
Joe Franken of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii talked to his friends and relatives here Wednesday night, in a one-sided conversation via the phonograph record method. The Edwin Miller family were present at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. John Kosters when the records were brought out as a surprise to Ruth Miller, Joe’s fiancée. “It’s still the same old Joe” said John Kosters after hearing the records. He was not permitted to tell them anything about his activities so he just talked about old times and kidded everybody a little. The recordings apparently were made sometime in April, 1943.
Source: Sioux Center News May 6, 1943, p 1
Joe Franken writes that he is moving to another island and hints that it may be toward Tokyo so anyone who plans to write him should wait until his new address is received here. We hope to have it in time for publication next week.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 12, 1943, p 8
Here is Joe Franken’s new address: Joe Franken M 2-c U. S. Submarine Base Group 2, Navy 1504 c.o. Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 19, 1943, p 2
Joe Franken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Art Franken writes that he is on Midway Island. He said being on that island seemed like being on a raft not being able to swim ashore, because it is so small. There are no business places or other places of entertainment on it. He has been on this island for many weeks and says it seems like months. Joe hopes to have a furlough in June or July. He has been in the service for over 2 years and hasn’t had a furlough yet.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 2, 1944, p 2
Lawrence Vander Weerd, S. 2-c, 72 N.X.B. Co. Plt. 5, c/o Fleet Post Office (Frisco), writes to as for the addresses of Joe Franken and Al. Tamminga. The latter we cannot publish as yet, but Joe (M 2-c) has this address: U.S. Submarine Base, Group 2, Navy 1504, c/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 9, 1944, p 2
Joe Franken Home After Two Years With The U. S. Navy In 3 Major Battles Against Japs
First Class Petty Officer Joe Franken surprised his many friends and relatives when he came home Sunday for his first visit since he enlisted in the navy on December 13th, 1941.
He has had an eventful life since he left here, having taken part in several of the major engagements against the Japs. A brief resume of his travels will give the reader some idea of the territory Joe has covered. A good many of the things he can tell now were not permitted to pass the censor for many months after they happened, but he is free to speak of them now.
WAS IN ON TOKYO BOMBING Joe enlisted December 13th, 1941 and started his boot training at Great Lakes, Ill. on Dec. 17th. He boarded the Vincennes on January, 1942 patrolled the east coast and maneuvered in that territory for some weeks, then left for Panama and points beyond. Joe’s ship (a cruiser) was in the group which accompanied the carrier from which Doolittle’s planes bombed Tokyo on that eventful mission of April 18th, 1942. On the night before the bombing of Tokyo they sank two Jap sampans. From there they went on to the battle of the Coral Sea where the aircraft carrier Lexington went down. Returning to Honolulu for four days, they next took part in the battle of Midway. On the 4th of July they left Pearl Harbor for the Solomons and Guadalcanal, where they took Henderson Field from the Japs. It was there Joe’s ship went down, and he spent nearly twelve hours in the water with a life jacket on. He said aside from the cuts and burns on his face, he suffered no flesh wounds, though he was blind for about a week in one eye, but the shock caused by the depth charges which were fired while the men were in the water, which was much more injurious. Depth charges consist of a can of approximately 25 gallon size with T.N.T. in a sufficient quantity to blow up a submarine, so the shock to the system of any person unfortunate to be in the water in the vicinity of one of those, is not pleasant to experience. He was picked up by the hospital ship “Solace”. Joe said he endured all the horror of battle, but the hospital ship with it’s hundreds of wounded and dying, was something he couldn’t stand. He therefore left it and made his way back to Pearl Harbor on another vessel. He spent the ensuing eleven months in a machine shop there, then transferred to the Midway submarine base where he has been stationed for the past nine months. He flew back to Honolulu on the first lap of his homeward journey, then took a boat back to the states.
WILL CLAIM HIS BRIDE It took him eleven days to get home. He has a thirty-day leave – “delayed orders” is the official term. The date for his wedding has been set on May 4th. He will marry Miss Ruth Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin A. Miller at the Peace Lutheran Church. Joe will go to San Diego welding school from here.
MET SEVERAL SIOUX CO. MEN During his absence from the states, Joe ran into several boys from Sioux County, including Captain Elmer Slob with whom he spent several enjoyable visits, Dick De Weerd, Dick Vander Hoef, Harold Deiters, Marvin Mouw, Hessel John Roorda and Ed Bergsma of Rock Valley. He missed Tubby Kroon by two days but just before he left the states he had the rare good fortune to run into Gary Vander Berg right downtown in Now York City at Broadway and 42nd street. Joe’s general comment on his experiences in the war was that “It hasn’t hurt me, but I’ll never forget it.” He is looking fit and happy and the community is glad to welcome him home and wish him and his bride-to-be happiness and prosperity.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 27, 1944, p 1
Mr. and Mrs. John Kosters, Miss Ruth Miller of Rock Valley and Joe Franken who is home on furlough spent Tuesday at Sioux City.
Source: Sioux Center News April 27, 1944, p 4
County Court News of Sioux County Marriage licenses were issued to the following persons: ….. Joe Franken, 23, Sioux Center, and Ruth Emma Miller, 22, Rock Valley
Source: Sioux County Index May 4, 1944, p 1
M 1-c Joe Franken And Ruth Miller Wed
The marriage of M 1-c Joe Franken of the United States Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arie Franken of Sioux Center, to Miss Ruth Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Miller of Rock Valley was solemnized at 8:00 o’clock last Thursday evening at the Peace Lutheran Church. Rev. Beyer read the double-ring service. Esther Dierks played the wedding music and accompanied Gerry Beyer who sang “Hold Thou My Hand” and “Prayer Perfect”. The bride was beautiful in a gown of white embossed marquisette with a long train. She wore a double fingertip veil, held in place by a crown of seeded pearls. She carried a bouquet of white roses and sweet peas. ….. M 1-c Franken joined the navy on his 21st birthday and has been stationed at Pearl Harbor and Midway after sea duty. He will return to San Diego and attend welding school. The bride is a graduate of Rock Valley high school class of ’38 and has been teaching rural schools the past 5 years. …..
Source: Sioux Center News May 11, 1944, p 1
JOE FRANKEN M-1/c TO NAVY WELDING SCHOOL
Joe Franken M 1/c is now in San Diego Calif. at the Navy Welding school. His address is: Joe Franken M 1/c (? Illegible) Fleet Welding School U. S. Naval Repair Base San Diego, 36, Calif.
Source: Sioux Center News May 25, 1944, p 1
Mrs. Henry Franken and Mrs. Arie Franken took Mrs. Joe Franken and Myrtle Wierda to LeMars early Monday morning from where they left by train for California where Myrtle will visit at the home of her sister Mrs. Wm. Parsonson at Ballflower for the summer months and Mrs. Joe Franken will go to San Diego to visit her husband for some time.
Source: Sioux Center News June 15, 1944, p 4
4 Sioux Centerites meet in San Diego
Lt. John Wesselink, Joe Franken and Bob De Kraay who are all stationed at San Diego, Calif. enjoyed a dinner at the Franken home there last Sunday evening which was prepared by Mrs. Franken who is staying with her husband. Bob De Kraay who is attending hospital corpsman school there was working that day, but Lt. Wesselink went to the main office and got permission to take him with them, and a very enjoyable evening was spent together.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 24, 1944, p 10
Mrs. Joe Franken returned home Saturday after being in California since June with her husband Joe Franken. Joe will return to sea duties in the near future.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 19, 1944, p 5
Joe Franken M 1/c has a change of address which is on file at the News Office.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 2, 1944, p 2
Joe Franken M 1/c has an address change: c/o Fleet Postoffice, San Francisco, Calif. which is on file at the News Office.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 22, 1945, p 2
M 1/c and Mrs. Joe Franken are the proud parents of a baby boy born on March 30th at the LeMars hospital. He was named Daniel Joe. His daddy is somewhere in the Pacific area. This makes Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Miller grandparents for the first time.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 5, 1945, p 2
Franken Brothers Met At Leyte (photo)
JOE FRANKEN M 1/c (photo) CPL. EVERETT FRANKEN Joe and Everett Franken met at Leyte a few weeks ago in the Philippines and were able to spend a day and a half together aboard Joe’s ship the “Prometheus”. By means of Joe’s wife who discovered Everett’s location in the Philippines, Joe was able to locate him shortly after his arrival at Leyte. The news that his brother was in the vicinity, the birth of his son and the death of President reached Joe simultaneously making it something of a red-letter day in his life. Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 26, 1945, p 1 Sunday (peace time) Sept. 2, 1945 Dear Ed and Marle; Just a line to let you know how we feel about actual peace time – In a few words, “ITS WONDERFUL”. This was also directed as an order to stop sending me the News. I may not have been the first asking you to stop sending it, but can find no better time than the present to do so. Just an hour ago peace was finally declared and not only that but I’m on my way home. By that I mean the Navy also declared me “surplus gear”. I luckily have 44 points which makes me eligible and I haven’t given it a second thought to stay – No sireee! Also made chief while on the Prometheus which agrees very well with me. Figured it benefit to me even though I’m soon to be a civilian. Pleas accept my thanks for the fine service while in the service. Everyone from the home town feels the same I’m sure. Until later, as ever, Your friend, Joe Joe Franken, C.M. Medalsmith
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 13, 1945, p 2
A welcome home party was held Friday evening at the E. J. Kosters home for Joe Franken who arrived home on Wednesday morning with his discharge from the Navy. Guests at the party included: …..
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 15, 1945, p 8
HONORABLY DISCHARGED
New discharge papers filed at the Recorder’s office the past week are those of: ….. Joe Franken, Chief Metalsmith, Rock Valley …..
Source: Alton Democrat Nov. 22, 1945, p 1
Joe Franken was born Dec. 14, 1920, at Sioux Center, Iowa, where he was living when he entered the Navy on Dec. 16, 1941, at Des Moines, IA. He left for foreign service on Jan. 7, 1942 and returned on April 20, 1944. He left again on July 20, 1944, and returned on Nov. 6, 1945, at which time he was discharged.
He was stationed on the USS Prometheus (AR3). His application for bonus pay was filed on May 20, 1949, for which he received $500.
Source: Ancestry -- Iowa, US, WWII Bonus Case Files, 1947-1954, Claim # 98897
Johannes “Joe” Franken was born Dec. 14, 1920. He died Mar. 18, 2007 and is buried in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Sioux County, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
