Franz William Van De Boe

Franz William Van De Boe 78, passed away peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday January 5th, 2025. Preceded in death by his parents Iona (Welch) and Israel, and brothers Jerry, Richard, James and Berry; he is survived by his three adult children, William, Gia and Jon (Meredith), grandchildren Abigail, Jordan and Alexa, sister Maryanna and many nieces and nephews. Born in Des Moines and a lifelong resident, Fran fished the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers as a youth, raced the streets in his beloved Road Runner as young man and then patrolled those streets as a new deputy. Van served honorably in the United States Army, earning soldier of the 3rd quarter award 1968 of his tank company, before working 30 years for the Polk County Sheriff's Department, retiring as a decorated deputy in 2002.

An animal lover, fisherman, determined self-taught handyman, and avid Hawkeye and car racing fan Franz exhibited a spirit of independence and self-sufficiency.  Often keeping his feelings and affection closely guarded, he was also one to strike up conversation, often say the right and wrong things, and give compliments to loved ones as well as nice strangers he encountered.

Dad, Grandpa Fran, Uncle Franny… was much loved and will be greatly missed.

A remembrance service will be held in his honor this spring. His family kindly asks in lieu of flowers please give a donation of your choosing to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.