Franklin Wacker, 83, of Elkader, died Monday, December 18, 2017, at the Elkader Care Center.
Franklin Delano Wacker was born December 23, 1933, to Frank R. and Anna (Krieg) Wacker. He received his early schooling at Dry Run School and graduated from Elkader High School in 1952.
In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged in April of 1956 and returned to farm the family farm with his wife Pat Schmelzer whom he married on July 11, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elkader. Three children were born to this union.
Next to farming, fishing was his ambition and then spending winters in Zapata, Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Pat, children, Sheila (Terry) Weiss, Sheri Koons (friend, Rich Hubbard) and Frank Jr. (Patti) Wacker; six grandchildren, Jonathan (Nicole) Weiss, Kevin (Sara) Weiss, Justin (Kyla) Koons, Jennifer Koons, Thomas (Ashley) Wacker and James Wacker; nine great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Evelyn Wacker. Frank will be missed by his extended family of nieces, nephews and many friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Donald, Jack, Joseph, Robert Wacker; sister, Louise Walter; sister-in-law, Pat Wacker, and brother-in-law Lester Walter.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 3-6 pm at Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader, Iowa with Rev. Jon Haack as the Officiant.
Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery, Elkader, Iowa with Military Rites.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com