Frank Espinosa, age 93 of Clinton, formerly from Council Bluffs, passed away Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 at Eagle Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be Friday, February 24th, from 4:00. to 7:00 P.M. at the Pape Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 25th, also at the Funeral Home. Cremation rites will follow the Services. A luncheon will follow. Burial will be at the Rock Island Arsenal at a later date.
Frank, one of 14 children, was born on December 3, 1929 in Council Bluffs to Bernardino (Ben) and Katherine (Reiser) Espinosa. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1953 -1958 (5 yrs.). He was an Electrician 3rd Class on the USS Los Angeles CA 135 (A Cruiser). The ship survived 2 separate hits in March and April of 1953 with 18 casualties. All survived and made full recoveries.
Frank married Lucille Meredith in 1958. A son, Steven, was born from this union. The marriage ended. He later married Janice (Jan) Geronzin, originally from Clinton, IA. on July 7th, 1979 in Council Bluffs, IA. In In 1985, they moved to Forsyth, MO. He and Jan were members of the Telephone Pioneers of America and Friends of Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO. He also volunteered at the Branson Chamber of Commerce for over 4 yrs. Frank enjoyed going to the USS L A Reunions, which were held in different cities every 4 years, even hosting one in Branson in 2003 and served as President 2004-2006. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, gardening and puttering around in the garage.
He was a Bricklayer for 36 yrs. And building fireplaces was his favorite – said it was like putting puzzles together. Last year he received a Bricklayers award for being a member of B.A.C. International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers for 60 years. In 2013, they moved to Clinton, IA, (Jan’s hometown) to spend their retirement years. In 2015, one of the highlights of his life was the Honor Guard Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his guide, Kris Yingling, from Savanna, IL. Made many new friends, loved to travel – he just enjoyed life and all it had to offer. He was just a fun-loving guy.
Frank is survived by his wife, Jan, his son, Steven Espinosa of San Diego, CA; a brother, James, of Laguna Woods, CA; a sister, Helen Sousa of Council Bluffs, IA. and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 6 sisters – Baby Helen, Margaret Judkins, Lucille Ellerbeck, Mary MacDonald, Dorothy Hempel, and Marsha Lee (2 ½ yrs. old); 5 brothers – John, Fred, Robert, George and Joseph (Joe). Donations can be made to Eagle Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clinton, IA. or Hospice (COMPASSUS) in Davenport, IA. Our thanks to everyone at the Eagle Point Center and to Hospice (COMPASSUS). Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.