04/23/2001
Funeral services for Frank DeJong, 68, of Knoxville, who died on Monday, April 23,
2001, at Knoxville Area Community Hospital, were held on Thursday, April 26, at
Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. Pastor Steve Kowbel officiated at the services. Music
was provided by Jim Kidder, pianist and DJ DeJong, vocalist. Interment was at Graceland
Cemetery. Casket bearers were John Riley, Jim Bailey, Carl Duinink, Norman Chrisman,
Tom Little, Pat Gullion, Barry Griffith and Dwight Johnston. Frank was born on November
12, 1932 in Swan.
He was the son of William DeJong, Sr. and Jennie (Van Zee) DeJong. He attended Knoxville
High School graduating with the class of 1951. He was class president and excelled
in football.After high school, he served two years in the Army. After he was honorably
discharged, Frank returned home and began his career as a farmer. He built a successful
farming operation.
He married Lillian Halsey on December 7, 1996. Frank enjoyed playing pitch and watching
sports. He was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Pella and had recently
been attending Faith Baptist Church in Knoxville.
He was preceded in death by his
parents; a brother, William DeJong, Jr. and a half brother, Joseph DeJong. He is
survived by his wife, Lil of Knoxville; five stepchildren, Dennis Harrelson of Newton,
Mike Harrelson of Marshalltown, Becky Mavin of Greenwater, Debbie Raveling of Des
Moines and Brian Larson of Bentonville, Ark; 15 step-grandchildren; and many other
family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Knoxville Rescue Unit. Arrangements were made by Bybee
& Davis Funeral Home.