Forsythe Family Network

Obituary:

Francis A. “Frank” Alleven, 85, of Columbia died Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at The Bluffs in Columbia. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Frank was born Dec. 3, 1933, in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, to Arnold and Agnes (Noy) Alleven, who preceded him in death.

He was married to Kathleen Caven in 1962 in Mankato, Minnesota. They had five children, Catherine Alleven, Franklyn Alleven, Patrick (Danielle) Alleven, Lucinda (Brad) Scandrett and Molly (Dan) Luebbert. Frank and Kathleen divorced after 12 years of marriage. Kathleen and daughter Catherine preceded him in death.

Frank served in the Army during the Korean War. He attended college after military service, then he moved south with his young family and settled in Columbia, where he remained. He worked as executive director and counselor in a rehabilitation facility and later in direct sales.

Frank had the most fun in retirement, when he was able to fill his days with the outdoor activities he loved, including fishing, camping and gardening. Frank was an avid RVer and logged thousands of miles with his navigator and longtime partner, Gail Eldridge.

Frank had a big personality, a unique style, loved his family and friends deeply and brought smiles to so many. He will be fondly remembered by his children and 11 grandchildren.

Frank is also survived by brother William (Wanda) Alleven and sister Loretta (Gerald) Kaderlik.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the loving care given to Frank by The Bluffs. Memorial donations in memory may be made to The Bluffs or to the Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.