Russell Frank

Russell James "Jim" Frank, 78, of Riverside, died suddenly on May 20, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City with his family at his side.  A time for friends to greet the family will be held Friday, May 22 from 11 – noon at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona.  A memorial fund has been established for the Riverside 1st Responder's and Riverside Fire Department.

Jim was born November 24, 1936 in Iowa City, the son of Russel W. and Margaret Ann (Grady) Frank.  He attended Lone Tree High School where he met his wife.  Jim and Venolia Jean Keeler were united in marriage on June 16, 1956 at the Presbyterian Church in Lone Tree.  Jim and Jean farmed on the family farm all their lives. Jim was still raising cattle, sheep and turning the soil  himself and planting crops with the help of his family.  He enjoyed operating dozers and equipment every chance he got, riding in tractorcades, going to the state fair, tractor pulling, coonhunting and mushroom hunting.  His greatest joy was his family, along with storytelling and talking to strangers.  Jim and Jean enjoyed traveling the countryside in many states.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jean of Riverside, five children: Penny (Keith) Sweeting, Scott (Linda) Frank, Kim (Robert) Cole, Rod (Chris) Frank all of Riverside, Cokie (Curt) Ikerd of Brighton, 16 grandchildren: Mandy Yeggy, Ben Sweeting, Tony Sweeting, Jenny Schlabaugh, Angie Albers, Andy Frank, Shannon Parker, Shawn Roberts, Austin McArtor, Rochelle Jeffers, Ashley Wieland, Zach Frank, Ross Frank, Kyle Frank, Walker Ikerd, Garrett Ikerd, 24 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Dale Nelson, sister-in-law, Pat (Tom) Falls, and his special friend, Tissy the cat.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, a sister JoAnn Nelson, aunts and uncles including Jackie Grady.