David Frakes

David Franklin Frakes, age 77, died with his family by his side at Mercy Medical Center on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. He was born January 28, 1940, to William and Alice (Morgan) Frakes of Bondurant. David graduated from Bondurant High School in 1958.

David worked as an over the road truck driver for American Freight and retired after several years working various positions for the City of Des Moines. He enjoyed working on the beautiful flowers in his backyard and feeding the many birds who became accustomed to his bountiful bird feeders.

During the 1960’s, David was a proud member of the Polk County Sheriff’s Posse under Sheriff Wilbur Hildreth. The 25 men were a mounted posse, which performed mainly at parades, rodeos, and civic functions. They were sworn in as reserve officers of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Their uniform consisted of white jeans, white shirts, white cowboy hats, their badges, and black scarves tied around their necks.

David was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and William Jr.; one niece, Allison Patton Bishop; and his loving companion and soul mate for many years, Barbara Henrichs.

David is survived by his two daughters, Teri (Ron) Gunsaulus of Colfax and Tami Schmidt of Ira; four grandchildren, Anna (Jon) Eichhorn of Waukee, Chris (Sarah) Gunsaulus of Norwalk, Brad (Kristi) Schmidt of Ankeny, and Stephanie (Zach Kern) Schmidt of Davenport; five great-grandchildren, Brant and Elise Gunsaulus, Maya, Ava, and Lily Schmidt; one sister, Judy (Jack) Patton of Bondurant; and several nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2017, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, in Altoona, IA with interment following at the Bondurant Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6-8 PM on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Foundation/Neuro Trauma ICU and Mercy Foundation/Mercy Cancer Center in loving memory of David.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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