Frank Alvin Dredge September 5, 1921 – July 2011
Frank Alvin Dredge the son of Arlen and Arzetta (Colter) Dredge was born into this world September 5, 1921 in Arispe, Iowa. Frank was one of nine children born to this marriage.
Growing up Frank moved to several farms with his parents and attended different county schools. He started school at Oak Grove School northeast of Mount Ayr and after finishing eighth grade, he began working.
Frank and Ellen Elizabeth Warrick were married December 5, 1942 at Grant City, Missouri. Frank was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942 as well and he took his basic training at Camp Claiborne, Baton Rouge Louisiana Battalion 103. After his basic training Frank served his country in France. Elizabeth worked in a restaurant and then went to live with her father on the farm while Frank was away in the service. December 13, 1944 a son, Royce Alvin, was born in Leon, Iowa. Frank was discharged from the army D Day, November 11, 1945.
Frank, Liz and Royce moved to the Carl Lanney place March 1, 1945 and four years later a daughter, Anita Rae, was born January 29, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa. Later they moved to Liz’s father’s farm where they bought more land to go with it and this became their homestead. Frank enjoyed farming and worked hard to provide for his family.
Frank retired in 1987 and he and Liz moved to town. They bought a camper and enjoyed wintering in La Feria, Texas and traveling all summer visiting friends they had met along the way. They always enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair.
Over the years Frank enjoyed playing cards at Brand’s station and later the ‘dead beat club.’ This was part of his ‘retired’ routine but always made it home just in time for lunch and supper. Liz passed away November, 1999 and Frank moved into a smaller home. He taught all of his children, grandchildren and some great-grandchildren how to at least play 31 and Sequence. And many family dinners were spent trying to hold your cards so Frank couldn’t catch a peak. He always said with a smile, ‘You shouldn’t hold them out there if you don’t want me to look.’
Frank was a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed his family and his grandkids and was lucky enough to enjoy the greats and even great-great-grandchildren. He loved the outdoors, fishing and gardening. He was handy and crafty, always bringing home a new project to make after his Texas winters.
Frank could always be found with his hat tilted to the side and a big smile on his face. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he has touched.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Arlen and Arzetta; his wife, Elizabeth; brothers, Hubert and Henry; sisters, Lorena, AnnaBelle, Marie and Elva Lee; sister-in-law, Carolyn Denhart, and brother-in-law, Doyle Denhart.
He is survived by his son, Royce and wife Judy Dredge of Mount Ayr, Iowa; daughter, Anita McNutt of Mount Ayr, Iowa; three grandchildren, Eric Dredge of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Becky and husband Brian Watkins of Creston, Iowa and Alicia and husband Mark Stogdill of Grand River, Iowa; six great-grandchildren, Derrick Dredge and wife Kasey of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Sarah Dredge and fiance Robert Schafer, Joshua, Austin and Brandon Jones of Creston, Iowa and Hayes Stogdill of Grand River, Iowa, and one great-great-grandson, Brayden Jones-Embree; two brothers, Junior (Roena) Dredge of Mount Ayr, Iowa and Loyd (Loree) Dredge of Wichita, Kansas; sister-in-law, Ruth Maudlin of Leavenworth, Kansas, and nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Memorials are to HCI Care Services in Mount Ayr and the Ringgold Post #172 American Legion.
Services were held at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Thursday, July 28, 2011, with Rev. Edward Shields officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Mary Davenport and Margaret Bickers.
Casket bearers included Eric Dredge, Derrick Dredge, Joshua Jones, Austin Jones, Brandon Jones, Mark Stogdill and Brian Watkins.
Honorary pallbearers were Dwight Cunning, Lawrence Hanks, Paul Brand, Raymond Umbarger, Amon Hunt, Ronald Shields and Roger Westercamp.
Military rites were by Ringgold Post #172 American Legion and Iowa Honor Guard Unit.
Frank was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr.
