Frank Silk


Frank Thomas Silk, the son of John Peter and Minnie May (Kemling) Silk was born on December 1, 1918 in Waveland Township near Griswold, IA and died February 18, 2012 at the Griswold Care Center in Griswold, IA where he had been a resident for 30 days, at the age of 93 years, 2 months, and 17 days.

As a child, Frank attended Alexander Country School, where he and his siblings rode horses to school, 2 or 3 children on each horse. He graduated from Griswold High School with the class of 1936. After graduation, he worked for neighboring farmers for a few years, before being drafted into the Army in October 1941, the first of the five Silk brothers who served during World War II. Frank served overseas in the European Theater, and was proud of his service. After being discharged in November of 1945, Frank returned to the Griswold area where he continued farming.

On December 28, 1946 he was united in marriage to Frances DeKay at the Griswold United Methodist Church parsonage. They purchased the Kemling Store from his uncles Lou and Dick Kemling and he ran it with his brothers Elmer and Harold Silk for several years. In 1957, Frank and Frances moved into Griswold and Frank worked for J.D. Oil in Red Oak before working for Rodr Oil in Griswold, which eventually became Lindvall Oil. After Frank retired, they enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona and summers in Griswold.

Frank and Frances continued wintering in Arizona until Frank's eyesight deteriorated due to macular degeneration and he was no longer able to drive long distances. He was stubbornly independent and hated accepting help of any kind, but as the years progressed, he reluctantly learned to accept the help from his family and his neighbors that allowed him to stay in his own home for all but his last few days.

Frank enjoyed driving and often said he probably should have been a truck driver - if only he didn't get lost so often, and he really didn't want to be away from home for long periods of time. Frank loved his chocolate and his ice cream, flowers and gardening, and taking trips to visit family. He also loved Fords, (especially his van). He also enjoyed little children, visiting with friends and family, and telling stories. He believed in honesty and fairness, and he lived completely with those values.

Frank and Frances celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a large gathering of family and friends. They were married for 60 years before Frances' death in 2007, and Frank did not ever recover from the loneliness he felt after her loss. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; his parents; five sisters: Marjorie, Doris, Dorothy, Norma, and Velma; and six brothers: Lee, Harry "Jake", Russell, Harold, and Elmer; and his daughter-in-law, Jaclyn.

He is survived by his children: Michael Silk of Springdale, AR; Peggy Casey of Griswold; Connie Fenn and husband Randy of Carson; and Patti Smithers and husband Dale of Atlantic; his grandchildren, Adam and Aaron Fenn, Matt and Mark Casey, and Melinda Tischer; his step-grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister Hazel Snider of Griswold; and his brother-in-law Rusty Restivo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In 1995, Frank wrote a note with instructions for his funeral services, including the day of the week, time and music. He also left a note saying "Don't feel bad at my passing as I have lived a fairly long life and I've had a good life, and a great little wife."

Complying with Frank's wishes, funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 1:30 PM at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold. An open visitation will be held. The family will be present at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be at the Griswold Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Griswold American Legion or Cass County Hospice. Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.