- Date Of Birth: October 12, 1933
- Date Of Death: February 13, 2021
- State: Iowa
Francis Wanken, 87, of Eagle Grove, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2021, at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion, Iowa.
Francis Eugene Wanken was born on October 12, 1933, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, to Pete and Gladys (Smith) Wanken.
Francis joined the United States Army, serving from 1953-1955 and after basic training he was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge. Gene was united in marriage with Judy Hirsch of Eagle Grove on May 18, 1963. They made their home and raised their family in Eagle Grove. They had just celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary last May.
Francis had worked several jobs growing up, which included construction, Eagle Mills, Farmland and Gold Eagle. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his kids and family, riding his bicycle (all of the time) and he always had the biggest garden on the East side of town (he enjoyed sharing what he had planted with other people).
Francis is survived by his wife Judy of Eagle Grove; three children: Lori and Mike Hungate of Eagle Grove, Rick and Sue Wanken of Hampton and Rebecca Das of Eagle Grove; seven grandchildren: Andy, Brittany, Zachary, Derek, Christina, Amaya and Austin; four great-grandchildren: Cade, Madden, Ryker and Elijah (and was expecting his first great-granddaughter in April); sisters-in- law, Gaye Wanken of North Carolina, Lois Otto of Eagle Grove and Karen Williams (Robert) of Corwith; brother-in-law, Mike Hirsch (Caroline) of Eagle Grove and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Gladys Wanken; sisters, Katie, Betty, Marjorie, Mary, Rosalie and Sherry; brother Daniel and grandson, Cody Wanken.
