January 6, 1938 – February 3, 2024

Franklin Gene Jouwstra was born January 6, 1938, on the family farm near Rock Valley, Iowa, to Shirk and Lena (Steven) Jouwstra. He attended country school there until 1947 when the family moved to a farm near Tyler, Minn. Frank went to public school in Tyler and graduated from high school in 1956. He was proud to be in FFA. Frank accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in his youth.

Frank was united in marriage to Shirley Van Steenwyk at the First Reformed Church in Edgerton on December 30, 1960. Following their marriage, they moved to California for one year and then Frank served in the military. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard and Ft. Old, Missouri, and 10 months at Ft Lewis, Washington. His military speciality was heavy weapons infantry. He was awarded the decorations of Rifle Marksman, Expert Mortar, Expert Sharpshooter, and Recoilers Rifle. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

They then moved back to California. Frank went to carpenter school and did carpenter work installing cabinets. He also built their first home in Chino, California. They lived there for 15 years and were blessed with three children, Lori, Michael, and Richard. In 1972 they moved to the Leota/Edgerton area where Frank had a dairy and farmed. In 1984 they moved to Ripon, California. Frank built a beautiful house there and he also drove truck. Five years later, they moved back to Leota/Edgerton area. Frank farmed and built their house on the farm. He also drove grain truck for Kevin Kleinjan. They loved to travel and spend time with the children and grandchildren. Shirley was diagnosed with cancer in March 2005 and died at their home in October, 2006, at the age of 67. They celebrated 45 years of marriage together.

On January 4, 2008, Frank married Hermina (Mina) Van Essen at the First Reformed Church in Edgerton. They enjoyed traveling numerous places and they enjoyed their winters in Henry, California.

Frank was a member of First Reformed Church in Edgerton, where he served on consistory as deacon and elder. Frank served as treasurer of Sunday School and loved singing in the church choir. He was also treasurer of Battle Plaine Township and was a member of the Edgerton American Legion. Frank enjoyed traveling, listening to gospel music, and watching many church services on TV. He also enjoyed time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their activities and birthday parties.

Frank was diagnosed with ALS in November 2023. On Saturday, February 3, 2024, Frank died peacefully with family at his side at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 86 years, 28 days.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Hermina, his three children: Lori (Del) Van Essen, Mike (Tricia) Jouwstra, all of Edgerton, and Rich (Sara) Jouwstra, Prinsburg, Minn.; grandchildren Jessica Willems, Krista Sikkema, Brett Jouwstra, Kala Talsma, Devin Jouwstra, Blake Jouwstra, Mara Mouw, Macy Hanson, Kay Jouwstra, Courtney Kooi, Meghan Holland, Leo Jouwstra, True Jouwstra; 19 great-grandhildren; his step-children: Verla Kuiken, Hemet, Calif., Glenn (Marilyn) Van Essen, Pipestone, Minn., Ivan (Diane) Van Essen, Sioux Falls, S.D., 8 step-grandchildren, and 10 step-great-grandchildren; brothers Peter (Sharlene), Jenison, Mich., Jim (Carole) of Sun City, Ariz.; sisters Janice ( George) Zane of Omaha, Nebr., Glenda ( Roger) Beukelman of Charlotte, Tenn., sister-in-law Darlene (Robert) Chalfant, Twin Falls, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley, his parents, father- and mother-in-law, Carl and Ada Van Steenwyk, sister, Theresa Tinkenberg, brothers-in-law: Berton Tinklenberg, Clarence Doornbos, Art Bolt, and brother- and sister-in-law, John and Dorothy Fransen.