Franklin James Greenhalgh
Franklin James Greenhalgh
Franklin James Greenhalgh
March 28, 1936 – April 17, 2023
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 87
Franklin James Greenhalgh, 87, of Oskaloosa, died surrounded by his family, Monday, April 17, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born on March 28, 1936, in University Park, Iowa, the son of William Buster and Dorothy Reinier Greenhalgh.
Frank graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1955. While in high school he worked for a local grocery store and later at Western Auto. He then took a job at Clow Valve.
On May 25, 1956, he was united in marriage to Judy Nance at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa.
After just two short years of marriage the United States Army sent notification to the couple that Frank had been drafted. His career at Clow was interrupted, and his life put on hold as he reported for duty on December 4, 1958. Following his training he was stationed in Germany and Judy was allowed to join him. He was an honor guard, tank driver and reached the rank of Sargent during his military career. On November 22, 1960, Frank was honorably discharged from the United States Army.
Frank returned to Oskaloosa and resumed his career at Clow. In addition to working at Clow, Frank spent countless hours working with his brothers on various construction and automobile projects. He retired from Clow after 48 years of service.
In retirement he helped out at Van Gorp Auto Salvage and completed various projects for Vernie Wells.
Frank and Judy have a daughter Michelle and a granddaughter Allison, the two of them were joys of his life. He always found a way to be involved in their activities. He enjoyed golfing with Michelle and always looked forward to helping Allison with her activities. Two of his favorites were helping at the George Daily Auditorium in Oskaloosa and helping with Summer Bible School for children in various communities.
Frank was an avid golfer and has countless fond memories with his Clow golf team and friends. Frank enjoyed going to auctions and garage sales, always looking for unique items at a good price. He had a servant heart and enjoyed helping various organizations in Oskaloosa, especially Trees Forever. He was a talented handyman and could fix nearly anything. He was also known to kick up his heels line dancing and was quite good.
He and Judy enjoyed 66 ¾ happy years of marriage. He fought cancer until COVID complicated things he could not beat.
His family includes his wife, Judy Greenhalgh of Oskaloosa; a daughter and her husband, Michelle and Mike Terpstra of Oskaloosa; a granddaughter and her husband, Allison and Aaron Bartholmey of Colfax; a brother and his wife, Gary and Marilyn Greenhalgh of Oskaloosa; a sister, Patricia DeHeer of New Sharon; brothers and sisters in law, Mary Greenhalgh of Oskaloosa, Shirley Nance of Oskaloosa, Tim Nance of Oskaloosa, and Bud and Shirley Nance of Knoxville; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter in infancy, Candas L. Greenhalgh; a brother, William Greenhalgh; and his father and mother-in-law, Vernie and Frances Nance.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Chad Lierman officiating.
Graveside military honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Friday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Friday evening to greet friends and relatives.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Oskaloosa Trees Forever.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Franklin James Greenhalgh please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
