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Gerrit A. and Carrie Franken

FRANKEN, GERRIT A. AND CARRIE (VAN ROEKEL)

Gerrit A. Franken was born october 27, 1897 at Sioux Center, and Carrie Van Roekel was born May 16, 1912 at Sioux Center to Henry C. and Allie (VanDer Ploeg) Van Roekel.

Carrie attended eight years of schooling in a rural Hope Christian School just a half mile south of the farm place. She helped with the farm chores and during corn picking time she helped milk the cows while the boys harnessed the horses end got everything ready to go to the corn field. Then she would go with them to the field to pick corn by hand; oftentimes they would pick 100 bushels a day. She also worked out as a hired girl.

In 1943 she decided to go to California end worked in the Artesia and Bellflower area for seven years. She then came back to Sioux Center, and on November 28, 1951 married Gerrit Franken in the parsonage of the First Reformed Church with the Rev. Peter A. De Jong officiating.

Gerrit was a farmer end after moving to the town of Sioux Center he worked as a mechanic at a local implement repair shop, and later as caretaker of the city park. Carrie continues to do some janitorial duties a few hours a week.

Gerrit passed away on April 29, 1984 at Sioux Center at the age of 86 years.

by Ellen Van Roekel

Source: Sioux Center Iowa 1991 Centennial Book--Family Contributor, Mary Haverhals