Jim and Nancy Franken married July 20,
1974
FRANKEN, JIM AND NANCY (VANDEN BRINK)
James L. Franken was born August 13,1953 in Sioux Center, IA. He is the second oldest son of John A. and Darlene Franken. Jim attended the public grade school and graduated from Sioux Center High School in 1971. In 1969, Jim earned an Eagle Scout award.
Jim married Nancy Ann Vanden Brink on July 20, 1974. Nancy is the daughter of Logan and Beverly Vanden Brink of Boyden, IA. Nancy attended the University of Northern IA in Cedar Falls. She graduated in 1974 with a BA degree in Elementary Education.
Jim and Nancy made their first home in Franken Manor from 1974 through 1977. They managed the elderly housing project, attending to the maintenance and bookkeeping responsibilities.
Jim began working part time in 1966 at Interstates Electric and Engineering. In 1976, he became Vice President of IEEC. Jim is an electrical contractor and major stock holder at Interstates. In 1983, Jim expanded the business by contracting overseas trade in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt. Jim is the President of IEEC International Ltd.
In 1981, Jim earned his private pilot's license.
The Marquis Who's Who in the Midwest and also Who's Who in the World featured Jim in their 1984-1985 volume editions.
Jim became involved in a National organization called Associated Builders and Contractors. He began in 1976 with the IA Association. ABC appointed Jim to their Board of Directors in 1983. He was the President of ABC in 1989. Jim also served on the National Board of ABC from 1987 through 1990.
Jim has enjoyed his involvement on the Northwestern College National Alumni Board beginning in 1987. In 1989 through 1990, Jim served as the Alumni President.
Jim has also been on the Board of Directors at Northwest IA Technical College from 1987-1989.
Jim and Nancy, Gabe and Jaymi Franken
1988
Jim and Nancy are members of the First Reformed Church in Sioux Center. From 1976-1978, they thoroughly enjoyed their involvement as RCYF sponsors. They have also participated as Sunday School and Catechism Teachers. Jim was elected to serve on the consistory as a deacon from 1980-1983 and in 1990-1992 as an elder.
Nancy worked a short time at the Young American Shoppe after they were married. She was then hired as a bookkeeper-teller at the American State Bank.
In 1977, Nancy began The Learning Ship Preschool in their home at 525 5th Avenue S.E. In 1984, the Preschool was relocated at 1062-711 North Main Avenue. (See Business Section)
Jim and Nancy were blessed with two children. Jaymi Noelle was born on January 23, 1979. She was delivered by Dr. R. Samani at the Sioux Center Community Hospital. Jaymi has taken ballet, tap, jazz, and gymnastics lessons from The Dance Studio in LeMars since 1983. She also participates in 4-H, piano and French horn lessons. Jaymi enjoyed playing the part of Gracie Shinn in Dordt's production of The Music Man in 1989.
Gabriel James was born on April 2, 1981. He was delivered by Dr. RA. Jongewaard. Gabe enjoys sports, gymnastics, and Cub Scouts.
In 1985 the family moved to their present home at 664 11th Avenue N.E.
We have had the privilege of traveling many places in the United States as well as the Middle East and Europe. It is always the greatest pleasure to come 'home'! Our father, family and friends are our greatest blessings and we are extremely grateful to God for each one who has been a special part of our lives.
by Jim and Nancy Franken
THE LEARNING SHIP PRESCHOOL
The Learning Ship Preschool was started by Nancy Franken in 1977. Nancy received a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern IA in 1974.
The Preschool was first established in our home at 525 55th Avenue S.E. The name was inspired by a combination of an existing nautical theme in our basement, plus the title of a favorite children's book.
The doors opened in September, 1977 and eagerly welcomed 25 children. Mrs. Phillip Vermeer was the assistant teacher during the first year.
Mrs. Roger Pap became a vital part of our program in 1978. She remained with The Learning Ship until their family moved in 1985. During 1981 and 1982, Mrs. Jeff Timmer was also a teacher on our staff.
In 1985, Mary Orange joined The Learning Ship and in 1986, became the Program Director. In this position, she was able to utilize her many talents in very valuable ways. Nancy remained the owner-administrator and parttime teacher.
Over the years, several students from both Dordt and Northwestern College have visited our program and fulfilled college requirements.
Presently employed at The Learning Ship are Mary Orange, as Head Teacher, with Mrs. Lydell Vos and Mrs. Mel Schouten, as Assistant Teachers. Lori Vos began in 1986 and JoAnn in 1989. We are also happy to have Mrs. Steve Lenters on our staff as a substitute teacher.
The first classes at the Learning Ship Preschool, 1977-1978
During the early years, we were privileged to incorporate each child's family through "Special Days" which emphasized the uniqueness of each child. We visited many homes, businesses, etc. These close ties with family have always been an important part of The Learning Ship. In 1986, Mary designed the L S Press as an efficient means of communication between home and school. We also have many special programs throughout the year. Some of these special events include' a Christmas program, Grandparent's Day, a May Play, and Mother's Tea. Every Christmas Santa visits and presents each student with a Learning Ship T-shirt.
We were thrilled to win the First Place award at the Sioux Center Third Annual Christmas Parade. We had constructed a large boat, complete with live little sailors!
In 1985, we won First Place at a Pumpkin Decorating contest sponsored by Pucci's Pizza.
A very special highlight for all of us has been to receive a personal letter from both President Reagan and President Bush. During those election years, each student wrote notes of congratulations as these Leaders took office.
Another important event took place in the Spring of 1989. The children marched to raise money for children who could not march because they have Cystic Fibrosis. We contributed $1200 towards finding a cure.
We have felt privileged to display student decorated Christmas trees at the Sioux Center City Office, and in 1989, at Christmas at the Museum. Also in 1989, we joined the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce. It has been fun for the children see their displays and to participate at the Indoor Fair. Over 500 children have been an essential part of The Learning Ship Preschool. This year we have 61 of these precious lives. Since we began, we have always emphasized the uniqueness of each child. Each child is a special creation - a gift from God. We offer many opportunities and experiences for the young child. We offer these through caring hands and hearts of love. We believe in children. They are today's joy and tomorrow's hope!
by Nancy Franken
SIOUX CENTER IA -- James L. Franken, 48, of Sioux Center died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, at Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley, IA. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, with the Revs. Roger Voskuil, Arnold Punt and John Ornee' officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be after 3:30 p.m. today at Oolman Funeral Home in Sioux Center.
James was born Aug. 13, 1953, in Sioux Center, the son of John A. and Darlene (Sandbulte) Franken. He was raised in Sioux Center and graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, in 1975. On July 20, 1974, he married Nancy Ann Vanden Brink in Sioux Center. They made their home in Sioux Center, where Jim began his career with Interstates Electric and Engineering. Since 1995, he has served as its president and C.E.O., overseeing the company's growth from 110 to 400 employees.
Jim was a member of the First Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and a Sunday School teacher. He was also active in the youth programs there, especially R.C.Y.F. and SEMP. In addition, he served on the church's Vision Committee and participated in Bible studies and Promise Keepers. He played influential roles in several area organizations including, Northwest IA Community College, Northwestern College board of trustees, American State Bank and Associated Builders and Contractors. Jim's family and faith were very important to him. He was looking forward to becoming a grandpa, and he sang in the Witness Quartet. He enjoyed fly fishing in the mountains, spending time at their lake home, reading and traveling.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter and her husband, Jaymi and Justin Vandewater of Indianapolis, Ind.; a son, Gabriel Franken, a student at Northwestern College; his father of Sioux Center; two brothers, Marlowe and John Mark Franken, both of Sioux Center; and two sisters, Janna Holmes of Miami, Fla., and Doreen Franken of Fort Myers, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
Memorials may be directed to the family to establish an annual leadership scholarship at Northwestern College.
Sioux City Journal 2001-11-15.