Frank P. Vasquez

West Des Moines

Frank Vasquez, 83, passed away Monday, December 17, 2012 at Methodist Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday at The Basilica of St. John. A private burial will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

Frank was born December 3, 1929 in Valley Junction, IA the son of Salvador and Juana (Hernandez) Vasquez. He graduated from Valley High School. He served our country for four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and then as a member of the Iowa National Guard. Frank was a member of American Legion Post #663 in Urbandale. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years and for DMACC for seven years.

Frank loved spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, fishing, playing cards and was an avid reader. He was a Benedictine Oblate, and volunteered for five years at St. Benedict Mission and the St. Vincent De Paul Store.

Frank is survived by his wife of 59 years, LaVonne; children, Rick of Altadena, CA, Mark of Blaine, MN, Steve of Des Moines, Vicki (Jerry) Wright of Lubbock, TX and Valerie (Vincent) Genet of Sunnyvale, CA; grandchildren, Chris (Bella) Wright, Ben (Amber) Wright, Megan (Austin) Gray, and Erik, Sean, and Matthew Genet; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Salvador (Sherrie) Vasquez of Des Moines and Ron (Katie) Vasquez of West Des Moines; and by Sister Delphine Vasquez CHM of Davenport, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ralph, and sisters, Mary, Antonia, Lee, Judy, Bessie, Velia and Olga.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a 7 p.m. Rosary service at the Basilica of St. John. Memorial contributions may be made to the Basilica.