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Franklin "Frank" Owens, Jr.
October 07, 2021
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Frank Owens Jr. died Thursday October 7, 2021 from metastatic cancer after a courageous and uncomplaining battle. Frank was born January 26th, 1948 in Moberly, MO the third child to Minnie Pearl Owens and William Franklin Owens Sr.
Frank graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1966. Frank then continued his education at Amherst College in Massachusetts. He then returned to Des Moines and later received his Master’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State.
Frank left his home in Altoona and moved into his parent’s home in Des Moines to lovingly care for his mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. He remained in Des Moines for the remainder of his years.
Frank worked through Iowa State University as a community planner. He also worked at Bike World full and part time for 30 years. His passion for cycling led him to coach and mentor inner city youth through the Dream Team and complete several ‘Ragbrai’ bicycle rides across Iowa.
Owning and managing multiple real estate properties led to Frank being a member and past president of the Neighborhood Revitalization Board which advised the City Council and Board of Supervisors on housing improvements and neighborhood revitalization projects.
Frank's hobbies included bicycling, hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. He did all things with passion and a voracious appetite to learn everything there was to know about the activity.
Through his marriage to Teresa Moklestad-Burke aka ‘Torese’, Frank became a father to Brandon Burke. Brandon quickly became Frank’s pride and joy. He proudly and lovingly called him son.
Frank was known and respected for his kindness and quiet dignity. Frank's legacy is evident in the lives and hearts he touched through mentoring and serving others. Frank leaves behind loving family, countless friends, acquaintances, and two beautiful dogs, Harry and Mister.
Frank is predeceased by his mother and father, his brother Fred, his brother William and his sister Gloria.
His spiritual faith was his source of strength throughout his cancer journey. He was a member of Cornerstone Family Church of Des Moines, Iowa and actively attended services until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Frank is now in heaven rejoicing with Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Above and Beyond Cancer, in appreciation for the exceptional care Frank received from Dr. Deming and his team or to the Dream Team.
Donations made to Above and Beyond Cancer can be sent to:
1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Donations made to Dream Team Des Moines can be sent to:
2643 Beaver Ave #350, Des Moines, Iowa 50310
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Sylvia DeWitt
10/25/2021
I called your number today to see if I could hear your voice one more time, but while the number still works, your greeting had already been erased. Though your voice is stilled, your legacy of enduring friendships lives on. You were a much loved member of your friends group called, "The Tribe." You meant a lot to us and vice versa. You're already missed. Safe journey my friend.
Bob Reynolds
10/23/2021
Your were a truly unique person, glad that we crossed paths.
Safe travels my friend.
Gary Somerville
10/23/2021
I went to high school with Frank. Although I hadn't seen him in all of these years I remember him as a happy go lucky guy. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Tim Borich
10/23/2021
Ive known Frank for years through our community work at Iowa State University. I wonder if he still kept his student from Amherst that was some a lot of hair! First through his work with the neighborhoods in DSM and later through Extension, Frank proved to be a wonderful colleague.
Beyond a community planner, Frank was a true community builder one person at a time. Frank was a bit reserved, but once he set his sites on something I was always amazed at his leadership. His impacts upon Des Moines and across Iowa may not be known to many as would be the last boast.
In fact, I can never remember hearing boastful and Frank in the same sentence. Trust me, his impacts were real a true community builder.
Penny Hayden
10/22/2021
Frank I am blessed to have known you. We enjoyed class of 1966 from TRHS. I know you are with Jesus and we will praise God together one day soon :person_biking::tone_medium::rainbow::herb::ok_hand::tone_medium:
Kay Eichner
10/21/2021
Dear Owens Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Frank always had a smile on his face. I am certain he still does. He was loved and will be missed by many. Kay Eichner
Kata Johansen
10/21/2021
May you be among the angels.
john baker
10/20/2021
what a great example of a classy guy. rest in peace my friend
Greg Klein
10/20/2021
I met Frank in 8th grade at Merrill Jr. High. Our paths would occasionally cross over the years around town. He always had a smile. Rest in peace Frank.
Barbara Hug
10/20/2021
I worked with Frank from the Polk County Extension Office. He was one of the nicest person's I've ever met. I grieve at his loss.
Nancie Lavine
10/19/2021
I can't stop crying. I met Frank over 30 years ago. He was just beginning his bicycling. He is one of the most loving, genuine, & respectable, gentlemen, I have ever known. The world is a better place because of Frank. My heart is broken. R.I.P :broken_heart::pray:
Carolyn Kuhn
10/19/2021
I feel honored to be able to say that Frank was my friend. He lived life with passion, optimism, kindness and fearless bravery. God speed my friend to a place of peace and joy.
Dana Thompson Bonnesen
10/18/2021
Well liked by so many in our class of '66.
God's blessings and peace.
Cyndee Cox (Wheeler)
10/17/2021
Frank weve known each other since kindergarten. You always had a smile and a kind word for anyone who needed it. Good to see you at church these last few years. Fly high friend.
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Keith Hyland
10/13/2021
I have fond memories of Frank going back to elementary days at Windsor. He was a kind hearted person and well liked by all who knew him. God's peace and comfort to all who were close to him!
Sheri Gibson Spencer
10/13/2021
Frank, I have known you since we were five. You have touched so many lives and made each of us better for knowing you. You will be missed, but will live on in our hearts. RIP
Jim Franquemont
10/13/2021
Miss being there Frank,
What a wonderful time we had early in our lives! Always enjoy thinking about all the times we had together and meeting your parents :red_heart:
Carmi Soifer
10/13/2021
Love you, Frankmiss you! Algebra forever
Nikki DiMaria Simmons
10/12/2021
Frank was truly one of the great ones. He will be missed by so many.
God speed, my friend.
Helen(Mozee) Antonio
10/12/2021
cuz Frank had a big heart for helping people, I will always remember him making sure we had summer jobs when we were of age to work..our condolences from Your Patton, Harvey and Mozee Family
Steve Jacobs
10/08/2021
Words can't express how much Frank touched my life. He will be with me forever
Bryon Moore
10/08/2021
Frank was one of the most generous people Ive ever met. We first in sales together at Homemakers furniture. Since then hes sold me 2 bikes at bike world and has given me timely life advice and friendship. I can say with 100% certainty that Frank Owens is in the top 1% of human beings on this planet and the world is a better place from him being with us for the time we got together. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Victoria Gillotti
10/07/2021
My heart is so deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend. Know that your family; which is made up of your close friends, love you and will miss you deeply
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Contact
Nickname
- Frank
Family
Personal
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Professional
Employment Information
Former
- Economic Development SpecialistIowa State UniversityStart:01/2001End:10/2020
- SalesRoberts & Williams Carpet CtryStart:01/1996End:01/1998
- OwnerLegend CyclesStart:01/1993End:01/1996
- Sales ManagerBike WorldStart:01/1990End:10/2020
- Sales ManagerPidgeon's FurnitureStart:01/1989End:01/1996
- SchedulerRoxanne ConlinStart:01/1982End:01/1989
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Amherst
Reunion Class
- 1974
Graduation Year
- 1974
Major(s)
- Black Studies; Sociology
Other Academic
Secondary Schools
- Roosevelt High School
Higher Ed
- Iowa State UniversityField of Study:Community and Regional PlanningDegree:Master of Arts
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Amherst
Fraternity
- Independent (no fraternity affil)
Post-Graduate
Community/ Professional Activities
- Dream TeamRole:Coach
- Dream TeamRole:Mentor
- Neighborhood Revitalization BoardRole:Member
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Ann Greenwood
03/19/2022
You came to my mind last night. I was determined to find you today but found your obituary instead. I am pretty sure you are one of the angels flying around here. Love Always,Ann